Outreach is the activity of providing services to any population that might not otherwise have access to those services. A key component of outreach is that the group providing it is not stationary, but mobile; in other words, it involves meeting someone in need of an outreach service at the location where they are.
Bath Astronomers do outreach. We take binoculars and telescopes to the public, schools, and young peoples’ groups so everyone can see the wonders of the night sky.
We’ve worked with Bath Preservation Trust, Bath Abbey, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath Royal Literature and Scientific Institution, University of the Third Age, Girlguiding, Scouts, and dozens of primary and secondary schools.
If you think a group may benefit from a Bath Astronomer led session then drop us a line on outreach@bathastronomers.org.uk. We have registered STEM Ambassadors and DBS checked amateur astronomers and can tailor sessions appropriate to your audience.
We provide workshops and activities as well as stargazing. Prior sessions have been entitled:
- Watching Space Dust;
- Rovers on Mars;
- Journey to Mars;
- What have the Astronomers ever done for us?
- Light Skies – Spectroscopy for beginners;
- Planets Beyond – discovering exoplanets;
Recent exploits have included:
- 23rd November 2022 Stargazing and Planetarium at Shoscombe Primary School;
- 22nd November 2022 Stargazing and Planetarium at King Edward’s Junior School;
- 24th May 2022 Rocket launching at Ralph Allen School;
- 17th March 34th Kingswood Cubs and Scouts Stargazing and activities
- 16th March 51st Cubs Stargazing and activities;
- 17th January 2022 Stargazing with 18th Bath (Upper Weston) Brownies;
- 12th January 2022 Stargazing and Planispheres at Abbot Alphege Academy;
- 6th December 2021 Remote Telescopes at Hayesfield Girls School;
- 22nd November to 20th December 2021 Moongazing at the Bath Abbey.