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 21st January 2026 at 7:30pm at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI).
We are delighted to welcome Dr Anne Inkenhaag to talk about Finding metals using Gamma-Ray Burst Galaxies.
Astronomers call everything heavier than hydrogen and helium metals. Various processes in the universe create metals, and in turn, metals influence almost every process in the universe. In this talk, we will explore how and where elements are made, how they spread across the universe, and why gamma-ray burst galaxies specifically are useful to measure how much metals there are.
All are welcome to the talk which Anne has written for all to understand how the very atoms that make up your body, complex life, and the world we live in, came to be. Less "Who do you think you are" and more "Where did my atoms come from".
Reserve your seat here. Free entry for members using a discount code.
A full list of our planned monthly meetings can be found here
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.
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.
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
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 and Bath Abbey 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.
Visit "Capturing the Cosmos"?
In a wonderful collaboration between the members of Bath Astronomers and the Curators at Bath Preservation Trust, the 2025 exhibition in the Herschel Museum of Astronomy is "Capturing the Cosmos - Astrophotography by the Bath Astronomers" and it will be running until 4th January 2026.
Find out more about the exhibition on the Herschel Museum website.
Entry to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy is free to members of Bath Astronomers.
Tonight we saw a Comet
Talk by Prof. Chris Lintott
Why be part of an astronomical society?
"Space is big. Really Big", to steal a phrase from Douglas Adams. Hence it can be a daunting challenge to look up and find out what you are looking at. There is a huge volume of information available online, and more apps and programs than stars in the sky but, as in many things in life, just talking to someone in a relaxed and comfortable setting is worth hours of trawling the Internet. Bath Astronomers is your local group of stargazers, armchair and amateur astronomers who strive to create that space for you to find out more, ask 'silly' questions, and share your hobby or passion for the night and daytime sky.
We run shared observing events as often as the weather and Moon allow each month and it's a great opportunity to see telescopes in operation especially if you're thinking about purchasing one. We also loan telescopes to members to try before you buy.
You don't need to dive in immediately and we welcome visitors to find out what we offer as a group. Why not pop along and say 'hello'. We hope to create a diverse community where everyone feels welcome. Why not contact us hello@bathastronomers.org.uk
Bath Astronomers provide guided stargazing and talks on behalf of the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and Bath Preservation Trust. To book a place on these events, you just need to visit the What's On section of the Herschel Museum of Astronomy's web site.
Bath Astronomers provide guided stargazing and talks on behalf of Bath Abbey. To book a place on these events, you just need to visit the Abbey's booking page or What's On section of Bath Abbey's web site.