Orpington Astronomical Society

As we learn more about our fragile planet, our need to understand the mechanisms that sustain life here become more important. Astronomy provides answers to questions about how our planet developed and what lies in the future.

And there has never been a better time to learn about the heavens. Not only are there literally dozens of space craft deployed and being readied for new exploration within our Solar System, but the equipment available to amateur astronomers to pursue their interest has developed by leaps and bounds to make stunning images available – even in the polluted skies over Southeast London.

The Orpington Astronomical Society is an active organisation for everyone in Bromley and the surrounding areas with an interest in astronomy and space technology. We welcome everyone, from teenagers curious about the universe beyond our planet, to experienced amateur astronomers.

You certainly don’t need to be a practising astronomer to join.

See About for more information.

Our observing evenings are less formal get-togethers for the Society. We have the use of a hall in Otford that adjoins a large field suitable to set up equipment for observing the sky. In addition, we arrange imaging sessions and deep sky camps.

Observing Evenings provide an opportunity to meet and discuss equipment and viewing opportunities and share insights and setbacks in astrophotography.

Observing evenings are held every month, usually on the third Thursday. The venue is Otford Village Memorial Hall. The adjoining car park is free (in the evenings) and has spaces for 110 cars, so there is always space, despite the likelihood of the local dramatic society bagging some. The venue consists of a large hall, where we gather for tea and biscuits and a chat from about 7:30 pm. Double doors open out onto the Otford Recreation Ground – a large field mercifully protected from street lighting, and a good place to set up scopes to share views and sights. We generally close down around 10 pm, unless there are good reasons to continue observing.

Some members may also call for ad-hoc observing evenings if there are particularly interesting celestial events or if the weather delivers especially favourable viewing conditions. These informal meetings, after being advertised on the Forum (member login required) usually at quite a short notice, take place in the Otford Recreation Ground.

Imaging Sessions

Some members host occasional Imaging Sessions at their own houses. These usually start at 8.15pm, and will be announced at our regular monthly meetings.

Deep Sky Camps

Deep Sky Camps are usually arranged a few times a year where members stay at dark sky venues to view and photograph the sky.

Please always try check the forum for details of the arrangements before an event.

The Society holds meetings every month to learn about developments in astronomy and equipment. The highlight of the meeting is a talk by an invited speaker or member of the Society followed by discussion.

Meetings usually start at around 7:45 pm, with introductions and notices. They usually include an Observer’s Report – a brief overview of astronomical events for the upcoming month and a display of members’ astrophotography. There is a break for tea and coffee where you can meet members and share your interests and queries with them.

Meetings are held at St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall on Greencourt Road in Petts Wood. Parking is available in Greencourt Road and other nearby streets.

People interested in joining the society are welcome to attend a couple of meetings as guests.

Some of our meetings are given by well known astronomical personalities, and others are home grown and ideally suited for absolute beginners.

The reports of past meetings give a few examples. Throughout the year we make sure topics, both new and old, are covered and give particular attention to local newsworthy items.

There’s plenty of advice especially if you’re buying that all important first telescope!

To see a list of future meetings, click here.

Next Meeting — Tue 19th Dec, 2023

Our Christmas meeting will start at 7.45pm on Tuesday 19 December, with Tony Sizer’s quiz and prizes. The hall doors are open from 7:00pm and members are welcome to attend from this time to assist, set up the hall and socialise.

Please…

If you would like a specific subject to be covered at one of our monthly meetings why not send us an email. We do our best to get interesting and up-to-date talks organised, but sometimes our newer or younger members would like to know something about the sky that we have not yet covered. Perhaps teachers may like a senior member of our society to give a talk about astronomy to their school, we would be most pleased, just send us a message.

The Society runs an Outreach Group which is willing to assist local organisations, large and small, by actively bringing astronomy and cosmology to the community. This is generally provided by PowerPoint presentations supplementing practical telescope viewing sessions; however, these are usually customised to the relevant curriculum or organisation’s needs and include daytime Moon and solar viewing and evening Moon, planet and ‘star-gazing’ experiences. These wider community-based experiences are usually supplemented by a number of ‘open public’ events during the year which are held at the society’s observing base at Otford or an appropriate public venue.

Comprised mainly of society members who are retired, the Outreach Group has been operating since 2008 and has an excellent record in community liaison. We stopped counting when the number of children and adults having had the opportunity to look through a telescope and learn about the Solar System, stars, our Milky Way galaxy and the Universe reached 9,000. However, conservatively this number must now be close to around 15,000!

Many of the contacts are, or have been, with local primary and senior schools, some of which are well established and on-going yearly links. However, we have also assisted much smaller and widely varying community groups for one-off events. We operate an inclusive policy and are proud to include organisations representing those with health conditions or impairments within these contacts.

Several of the members have independent astronomy and cosmological presentations and are able to assist local organisations and societies with specialist talks.

As a registered charity, the society makes no charge for these community events.

Whilst the society operates its own Child Protection Policy, we look to link with or default to that of the relevant organisation as required. (OAS Child Protection Policy 2014 – pdf format 328KB).

Covid requirements for both the society’s members and those of the visited organisation will need to be reviewed in line with the current Government Guidelines of the time.

Enquiries are welcomed and can be made using the Society’s contact details.