Welcome to
Croydon Astronomical Society
Learn all about us; our history and what we do.
Croydon Astronomical Society. Part 1. History and Background.
Croydon Astronomical Society. Part 2. A Visit to the Norman Fisher Observatory.
Why we're here
Our objectives are to advance education in the science of astronomy and related subjects for the public benefit in Croydon and the surrounding area by:
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encouraging a popular interest in astronomy and allied subjects;
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helping beginners, irrespective of their age, to acquire a knowledge of astronomy and allied subjects; and
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providing facilities for practical work and active participation in astronomical observation.
Croydon Astronomical Society is based in Croydon, just a few miles south of London. We hold public talks approximately every two weeks during school term time and aim to open our observatory to the public every Saturday evening. The society was founded in 1956 and operates through the donation of time from its members and donations of money from its members and visitors. If astronomy is your thing, please consider joining us as a member.
Observatory - special daytime opening (21st June)
To mark the Summer Solstice (the "longest day") we will open our observatory this Saturday (21st June) from 10:00am until 1:00pm. You are welcome to join us to look at the sun safely through specially filtered telescopes and through specialist solar scopes.
The solar scopes enable you to see one particular wavelength of light which gives you a glimpse of what is happening on the sun's surface.
Note, as always, that you should never try to look at the sun through a telescope or binoculars unless it has a proper astronomical solar filter. If you try to take a photo of the sun with your phone you will need to buy a new phone.
Look at our website (https://www.croydonastro.org.uk/observatory) for details on how to find us. Also please note that the observatory is in the middle of land owned by Cornwall Farm stables and they will be working on Saturday. There is no admission to cars onto the farm and if you try to drive up Waterhouse lane you will get stuck. Please park in Hayes Lane.
Although the weather forecasts are generally good, if it clouds over or starts to rain we will have to abandon the observation session. We will try to post on Facebook if that happens..
Public talks
The Society holds public talks, see the Talks tab for further details. The next talk is on Friday 6th June which is our AGM. This talk, and subsequent ones, will be held in the Small Hall of Shirley Methodist Church. From now on we will meet on the first and third Fridays of each month.
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Talks are open to all, there is no charge, but we have a suggested donation of £3 towards society funds. Refreshments priced at 50p are available during the break.
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Shirley Methodist is within walking distance of Trinity School and is easily accessible by bus from East Croydon. The postcode is CR0 8SD. There is parking on site but, if it is full, there is ample parking on nearby roads.
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Partial solar eclipse of 29th March 2025
Moon and Venus - 1st Feb 2025
May Aurora - Evie Faith Harvey
October Aurora - Graham Cluer
Free talks at Trinity School
