17th March Lecture: Making a universe from scratch

Astronomy is mostly a visual and non-experimental science. We can only look at what is out there but can’t brings stars and galaxies into the lab. However we can build them inside computers and attempt to simulate them. In Julian’s talk, we will see how simulations can show us how the universe evolves and what…

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21st April Lecture: The largest Telescope on Earth – From 1 Inch to 40 Meters

Since the telescope was invented about 400 years ago, they grew in size considerably to adapt with advances in astronomy. In this  presentation Dr Jurgen Schmoll gives a historical overview of world’s largest telescopes of the past before looking into current projects which include the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO).…

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18th February Lecture: Space Dogs – and their legacy

During the 1950s and 1960s the Soviet space program used dogs for sub-orbital and orbital space flights to determine whether human spaceflight was feasible. In this period, the Soviet Union launched missions with passenger slots for at least 57 dogs. Most survived; the few that died were lost mostly through technical failures. In this fascinating talk Dr Pete Edwards, Director of Science Outreach at Durham…

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23rd February: Stargazing Event (Northumberland Park)

Back by popular demand, Sunderland Astronomical Society are will visiting Northumberland Park). Date: Friday 23rd February 2024. Time: from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Entry: Free Event SAS have been asked by the Northumberland Park (the park in North Shields) to hold a Stargazing event on Friday 24th February 2024 from 7 pm till 10 pm.

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21st January Lecture: Astrophotography – Getting Started

In this months talk, Chris Duffy our current Chair will be giving an exciting and interactive  talk on “Astrophotography – Getting Started”. The talk covers the basic principals in taking pictures of astronomical objects. This includes nebula, galaxies, stars and the planets. The talk includes demonstrations using telescopes, cameras and other equipment setup at the…

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28th December: Christmas Benker Night

Sunderland Astro Xmas Benker night. Traditionally between Christmas and New Year has been our night (if you attend we will enlighten you on what the Benker Night means?, nothing wrong with an incentive to try to get people to come along. Saturday 28th December 2023 at the Washington Wetlands Centre, from 7.00pm.

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17th December Lecture: Planetary Nebula

In this months talk, Graham Darke the Society’s honorary President will introduce us to a fascinating class of astronomical object. He will cover the discovery of these objects in the 18th Century, their properties and what makes them of interest to both professional and amateur astronomers. Graham will explain techniques for observing and capturing images…

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Membership Subscriptions & Renewals for Season 2023-2024

September is the start of our new season. SAS Memberships will be due from 1st September 2023 (payable throughout September) for this season 2023/2024 Joining/Renewing helps support your local astronomical society & community. So come on down to the Cygnus Observatory (based at the Washington Wetlands Centre) to  join or renewyour SAS membership. The SAS is…

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29th October – Sunderland Astronomical Society AGM

The Sunderland Astronomical Society AGM (Via Zoom) will be taking place on Sunday 29th October 2023 from 7:30 pm at our base of operations Discovery Room at the Washington Wetlands Centre. Zoom AGM meeting details will be distributed via our SAS email service or upon request from  zoom-meetings@sunderlandastro.com.  SAS members are invited to attend, listen to chair’s reports…

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24th November – Stargazing Spectacular at St Mary’s Light House

SAS have been invited by North Shields Customer First Centre (i.e. the North Tyneside  Libraries) to participate in this event:  observing, talks & SAS stuff at St Mary’s lighthouse on Wednesday 24th November 2023. Date: Wednesday 24th November 2023. Event Times: 7 pm to 10 pm. Location: St Mary’s Island causeway, Whitley Bay.  NE26 4RS.…

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