Happy 50th Anniversary
Bath Astronomers
Our very first meeting was on Wednesday 24th March 1976. Looking forward to the next 50 years.
What do Bath Astronomers do?
We're a friendly group with a shared interest, if not passion, in the nighttime skies above Somerset. Whether they are just curious about astronomy or budding space experts, we strive to have events and activities that interest all.
We organise regular space/astronomy talks, local stargazing, telescope workshops, astrophotography clinics, mobile planetarium shows, schools', young peoples' organisations and community outreach, and the Observatory Shop for gift vouchers and branded merchandise. Everyone is welcome to become a member.
Bath Astronomers is an association charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered charity, number 1215572.
Next Talk
Wednesday 29th April 2026 at 7:30pm at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI).
This will be given by Wil Cheung, internationally renown aurora and nighttime photographer.
The talk is entitled Chasing & Photographing the Aurora. Join astronomer and aurora chaser Wil as he shares his experiences chasing and photographing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena — the Northern Lights. Having witnessed the aurora over 420 times across the Arctic, Wil will take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to successfully see and photograph the aurora. From understanding solar activity and forecasting, to choosing the right locations, camera settings, and equipment, this talk combines practical advice with stunning imagery and real-world experiences.
Reserve your seat here. Free entry for members using a discount code.
A full list of our planned monthly meetings can be found here
In the Community
Why not pop along to see Bath Astronomers at one of the following events this Summer:
- Sun 3rd May - Larkhall Festival 2026
- Mon 4th May - Somerscience Festival 2026
- Sun 7th June - WestFest 2026
- Sat 13th June - Combe Down Fest 2026
- Sat 20th June - Saltford Festival
- Sat 4th July - Hinton Charterhouse Village Fete
- Sun 5th July - Odd Down Families Day
- Sat 11th July - Batheaston Fete
- Sun 12th July - Wellow Village Show
- Sat 15th August - Marshfield Village Show
- Sat 12th Sept - Bathampton Village Show
Why not donate?
We need your support to reach even more schools and organisations with our space and science experiences. If you can make a donation, it'll help fund the creation and delivery of inspiring materials and activities locally and in the South West.
Click here to donate online now. Get in touch to donate larger sums or equipment like large binoculars, telescopes, or mounts.
Join Us
Anyone can join Bath Astronomers to enjoy the talks, the fellowship, stargazing events, workshops on telescopes and astrophotogrpahy, free equipment loan, and free entry to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. We're part of the wider communitity of Astronomy in Bath, including the University oF Bath Physics Department, Students Union Space Society and the Herschel Society.
You can find out more about joining here.
50th Anniversary Year
Bath Astronomical Society had its first meeting on Wednesday 24th March 1976 at the Percy Boy's Club. Over the last 5 decades we've become Bath Astronomers, supporting those interested in astro science, observing and photographing the night sky, and stargazers young and old.
We'll have events to celebrate throughout the year.
What's On?
All our events open to the public, whether talks or stargazing, are available on our Box Office to reserve your spot. Events at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy are listed below.
We like to go out and share the night sky with the public twice a month and hopefully the weather will only choose to scupper one of them. The venues for public stargazing change regularly to allow local communities to join in without having to travel too far. Bring your own binoculars or telescope if you have them.
Astronomy in the classroom and beyond
Bath Astronomers are passionate about bringing the wonders of the night sky to as many people as possible and have visited many local primary and secondary schools with planetarium shows and workshops as well as practical stargazing and observing experiences to several thousand people. We make our classroom resources available to all at https://stem.bathastronomers.org.uk.
Similarly for young peoples' organisations like the Guides and Scouts as well as young at heart groups like U3A or WI.
Perhaps you know a group that would benefit from one of our visits? Just contact us hello@bathastronomers.org.uk
Contact Us
Please get in touch if you've a question. Whether about events, membership, organising outreach with you, or something odd you saw in the sky, we're happy to help.