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Sunderland Astronomical Society (SAS) was formed in July 1993 by an enthusiastic group of local amateur astronomers. We are one of most active and largest astronomical society’s in the North East with lots of things going on (for e.g. observing, related projects, astro events, meetings, lectures, visits, and outreach), so come on down and take a look.
Our aim is to promote, inspire, inform, empower & advance the awareness & education of the public in the science of Astronomy and related subjects.
SAS in one of the largest, if not the largest and most active astronomical society in the North East.
We support the whole of Tyne & Wear community and North East region with anything astronomical.
We are especially pleased to welcome newcomers into the fascinating study of the heavens.
Regularly provide astronomically themed talks, observing sessions, projects & workshops in schools, at other venues/establishments, within the North East region at our public observatory at the Washington Wetlands Centre.
We run outreach projects & programs that are recognised by NASA outreach.
Especially interested in Schools, Cubs, Brownie and Scout groups of all ages to inspire, empower & learn about astronomy and view the night sky.
See our Events Calendar for all our SAS related events, for e.g. visits, lectures, public outreach, local community engagement events, etc.
We hold meetings on:
All at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Washington, in the Discovery Centre.
All meetings start from 7 pm.
Meetings are free to attend, so you can come along and see if the Society is for you before you join up.
Also to socialize and join in the craic on all things astronomical.
Held in the Discovery Room of Wetlands Centre, where our more experienced astronomers help the those new to the science to get acquainted with their instruments and with finding objects in the night sky.
Held all year round, Workshop Meetings are held in the Discovery Room of Wetlands Centre, where our more experienced astronomers help the those new to the science to get acquainted with their instruments and with finding objects in the night sky.
On the 3rd Sunday of each month: From September to August each year, lecture meetings are held and feature a talk lasting around 40 to 60+ minutes, either by a visiting professional astronomer or an experienced amateur astronomer.
The Cygnus observatory will be open afterwards for observing if weather is permitting.
For more information on lectures, see our Society News and/or Events Calendar web pages.
The Kielder Forest Star Camp runs from Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22th October 2017.
The Kielder Forest Star Camps are run twice a year, in the spring (usually in Feb/March) and in the autumn(usually in October).
Originally setup and organised by members of Sunderland Astronomical Society(SAS), and now organised by the Kielder Forest Camp Site.
All activities on the main day Saturday are free to attend.
Details
September is the start of our new season. SAS Memberships will be due from 1st September 2017 (payable throughout September) for this season 2017/2018.
Joining/Renewing helps support your local astronomical society & community.
So come on down to the Cygnus Observatory join or renew your SAS membership.
The SAS the largest & probably most active astronomical society’s in the North East, for advice, information, observing the night sky, and get together at various meet-ups, events, visits and join in the ‘Craic’ on all things astronomical.
Details
David Kidds’ talk will outline the early history of Grubb Parsons (international telescope manufacturer, based in Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne).
David will be outlining Grubb-Parsons early history leading to the 74” Reflectors.
David’s talk, ‘A Gift of Stars’, will tell the story of how Grubb Parsons came to be in Newcastle and will, in particular, focus on (no pun intended!) the firm’s first big reflector, the 74 inch David Dunlap telescope.
Details
The Durham University’s physics department is running a new outreach talk series called “Saturday Morning Physics” on eight Saturdays throughout October, November and December 2017, starting at 10:30am.
SAS Members,
You will be pleased to know that as our SAS talk/lectures are so awesome and so well attended that SAS has decided is extending the talk series from September through to the following August each year.
As always the talks will posted periodically in the SAS Society News and SAS Events Calendar.
And a snapshot of the complete talks this season can be found here and on the SAS Events Calendar (under lectures section).
Please support and attend these talks/lectures if you can.
At these events all raffle fundraising goes directly towards our society’s Washington Wetlands Centre ground rent costs.
Details
Back by popular demand, Sunderland Astronomical Society are will visiting Northumberland Park).
SAS have been asked by the Northumberland Park (the park in North Shields) to hold a Stargazing event on Friday 17th February from 7.00pm till late.
Details
With everyone wanting to get into astrophotography these days, visual astronomy is becoming the poor relation.
Chris Duffy’s talk provides hints and tips to get the most out of whichever telescope you have, or what to get if you are yet to buy one, depending on the type of astronomy you want to do.
Setting expectations of what you will see at the eyepiece and how to find your way around the sky.
Details
Dear SAS Members,
Another astronomy year is upon us.
As you know, we’re the largest Astronomical Society in the North East.
In considering this, we would like your help to steer the direction of our society going forward for the benefits of our members both current and future.
The first aspect of this direction of travel for the society is to canvass your opinion.
To do this we have designed a short online survey ( 9 questions – using surveymonkey) and we invite you complete this survey asap and add your voice to your society’s progression.
This is your opportunity to offer opinion and suggestions to progress your society.
Each SAS member will be sent an email survey invitation to their membership email address with a link to take survey.
This email will be sent out to all members very shortly, with associated text alert reminders.
The survey will close 29th September, to allow for analysis of results.
Details
In the 1870’s Gateshead was one of the world’s most famed astronomical destinations.
The reason was the 25inch telescope, the largest refractor in the world (at that time), owned and run by the wealthy Scottish engineer and amateur astronomer Robert Stirling Newall FRS FRAS on his estate located next to the present day Saltwell Park.
Newall’s telescope was a magnet to the most famous astronomers, scientists and artists of the day.
This presentation by our SAS President Dave Newton tells the curious history of the telescope and some of the characters associated with it.
DetailsRegistered Charity No. 1071527. Registered Office: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Tyne & Wear.
