Observing Sites — We use several sites in S E London and Kent:

This season (2009/10) we are trying a new approach to our meetings on Blackheath. We will be announcing separate dates, on the one hand for stargazing sessions on the Heath, and on the other for social meetings in the Hare & Billet pub.

Blackheath — Stargazing sessions. Next date: to be announced

Blackheath is easy for most members to get to, but does have significant light pollution. We will meet on the Heath near the donkey rides outside the Blackheath Gate to Greenwich Park, to observe bright objects like the Moon, planets etc. See the Home Page for details of meeting location, times, and targets etc. These sessions are weather-permitting only, and we will post go/no-go announcements on the day via e-mail and on this website.

Non-members and potential members are most welcome to attend these sessions. If you do not know anyone in the Society it is advisable to contact us in advance so we can identify ourselves. No need to book. Contact us for questions, directions, etc.

Blackheath — Hare & Billet Pub meetings. Next date: to be announced

The Society meets at the Hare and Billet Pub, as a social gathering and to discuss future activities. Non-members and potential members are most welcome to attend these gatherings. They are usually on the third Monday of each month. Details can be found on the Home Page. If you do not know anyone in the Society it is advisable to contact us in advance so we can identify ourselves. No need to book. Contact us for questions, directions, etc.

Romney — Next dates: to be announced

We are privileged to have regular use of a well-equipped observatory belonging to one of our members situated on Romney Marsh. Here we enjoy much darker skies and good seeing conditions, as well as a permanently mounted 14” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Excellent views of nebulae, as well as faint objects such as the outer planets, have been seen over the last few years and the visits to Romney have become the mainstay of our observing activities. For meetings at Romney we need to know who is coming, so there is a very informal booking system. It is necessary to confirm your attendance in advance and for directions and car-sharing.

Hazelwood — Next dates : to be announced

We have use of a private site at Hazelwood near Orpington by prior arrangement with the owner. This site is much darker than Blackheath and is relatively easy for members and guests to reach from S.E. London but does still suffer from a degree of light pollution. Being a private site we do not post maps or directions on the web. Please contact us for directions & car sharing.

Cudham — Next dates : to be announced

Cudham is near Biggin Hill in Kent. The recreation ground at Cudham is good for spur-of-the-moment events, being a public space with loads of parking.

Viewing with the 28-inch Great Equatorial at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

We hold sessions for Flamsteed members only, weather permitting, as part of the ROG ‘Evenings with the Stars’ public viewing events. Places are limited and advance booking is essential. Watch the Home Page and Programme of Events for details and dates.

On scheduled evenings with the 28-inch we will be issuing weather status via e-mail, and via a contact phone number to be confirmed.

About our observing activities

Volunteers from the Society arrange field meetings at which members can view or photograph astronomical objects using their own telescopes or those belonging to the society or ROG. These are held at a number of sites in S.E. London and Kent, and also with the 28-inch Great Equatorial refractor in the Royal Observatory.