Welcome to Sunderland Astronomical Society

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Sunderland Astronomical Society was formed in July 1993 by an enthusiastic group of local amateur astronomers. We try to cater for all levels of interest and experience, and are especially pleased to welcome newcomers into the fascinating study of the heavens.

Meeting Dates:
We hold meetings on the second and third Sunday of each month at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Washington, in the Discovery Centre and meetings start at 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.

Second Sunday of each month: Meetings on the second Sunday of the month are Workshop Meetings when the more experienced astronomers help the those new to the science to get acquainted with their instruments and with finding objects in the night sky.

Third Sunday of each month: Meetings on the third Sunday of the month are Lecture Meetings and feature a talk lasting around 30 to 45 minutes, either by a visiting professional astronomer or an experienced amateur astronomer.

Thursday Evenings: From September 5th 2013, the Cygnus Observatory will be opening on Thursday evenings to the public and members from 7pm till 9pm given available volunteers & weather permitting.

Latest News

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SAS Membership Card

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The society now supplies SAS Membership Cards to all new & current society members, with a membership card holder and lanyard (if required).

All members are encouraged to use/display membership cards at our meet ups, visits and events.

The printed & laminated membership cards, holders and lanyards are stored in the Discovery Room’s “SAS hobbit hole” and available on request.

Note: Membership cards  will be printed/issued in as/when we get the required batch of new members to keep printing/laminating costs down.

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DERWENT to CYGNUS Charity Bike Ride

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Sunday 8th June 2014 will be the date of the fundraising bike ride from our dark sky observing site at Derwent Reservoir to the Cygnus Observatory in Washington. The route is 28 miles and takes us on a mixture of C2C cycle paths and quiet country lanes.
The purpose of the bike ride is to raise funds for essential maintenance and upgrading of the Cygnus Public Observatory so also ncluded is a sponsorship form which we encourage all participants to use.
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Astrophotography Competition 2014

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It is that time of the year again, the Sunderland Astronomical Society’s Astrophotography Competition will held on Sunday 18th May 2014, from 7:00 pm, where the best of our SAS astrophotography images will be displayed and voted on at this competition event.
Traditionally, this is our end-of-season meeting and consequently enjoys something of a more relaxed atmosphere.
This year there will be two categories on Solar System and Deep Sky,  in beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.
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16th March Lecture : Galactic Archaeology: Galaxies (past, present & future)

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Update: 14/03/2014 – Chris Lintott has sent his apologies this morning Friday 14th March & had to cancel his visit and lecture on “Galactic Archaeology: Understanding the Universe’s past by looking at the present.” This is due to  ”a major (potentially Nobel winning) discovery being announced on Monday and last minute television filming/studio schedule changes means he…

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Jupiter Nights: An Introduction to Stargazing & Astronomy (at Nissan)

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Jupiter Nights is part of our annual single night even bigger astronomical extravaganza, which also follows our society’s very successful Jupiter Nights events run at Cygnus Observatory & the Washington Wetlands Centre on 10th/11th January.

Event held on Saturday, 8th February 2014, from 6:00 pm, at & in the grounds of the  Nissan Sports & Leisure Complex (NSLC) .

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Jupiter Nights: An introduction to Stargazing and Astronomy (at WWT)

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Jupiter Nights is part of our annual two night astronomical extravaganza, which also coincides with the Stargazing Live shows on BBC2, and that also promotes the BBC’s local astronomy events on the “Things To Do” website.

Held on Friday & Saturday, 10th & 11th January, from 6:30 pm at  our Cygnus Observatory and inside WWT Washington Wetlands Centre.

For an evening full of assorted treats in the night sky, join our local astronomers in observing the wonders of the universe.
Powerful telescopes will be available to unveil the Moon, the giant planet Jupiter and its four largest moons; the amazing stellar nursery called the Orion Nebula; a gorgeous collection of star clusters including “The Seven Sisters” and “The Beehive;” plus many other wonders of the Universe.
Free Entry. No tickets required.
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