Observing Evenings

We hold observing evenings once or twice a month, less often in summer, more often in winter when the nights start early. New dates are announced at monthly meetings, on the bulletin board and on the News Page if there's something special going on in the sky.

We also arrange Deep Sky Camps a few times each year. These are held somewhere where the skies are likely to be much darker than is usually the case in Orpington. 
Observing Sites

Our observing evenings are being held in the High Elms grounds. However, we will meet at the Change of Horses in Farnborough Village beforehand. Please come to the Change of Horses and don't try going straight to High Elms. Here is a map .

Generally we start our gatherings at the Change of Horses Pub in Farnborough at around 19:15 Universal Time (That's 7:15pm GMT in winter, 8:15pm BST in summer).

Evenings when we meet at the Change of Horses Pub in Farnborough are not so dependant on the weather. If it's cloudy (or worse) we'll just stay at the pub. If it's dark and clear we'll move on to an observing site, usually the old mansion site at High Elms at about 19:45 UT (7:45pm GMT in winter, 8:45pm BST in summer), or sunset if it's later than that.
 
Imaging Sessions
Mike hosts occasional Imaging Sessions at his own house. If you wish to attend an Imaging Session then please talk to Mike at one of our regular monthly meetings.
 
Solar Sessions
Now that we have a solar telescope we will be arranging occasional Solar Sessions, usually at the scope's current keeper's house. If you wish to attend a Solar Session then please talk to Sue or Jim at one of our regular monthly meetings.
 
Deep Sky Camps
Our Deep Sky Camps are, at present, usually held in a field at Tuesnoad near Headcorn. The cost is usually £5.00 per night* per person. Mirriam and Jeff have prepared some directions (in PDF format) to help you find the camp site. Please always try check the forum for details of the arrangements before the event.

* Please note, "night" is a convenient way of saying "twenty-four hours, or part thereof". If you're going to come down for the day and take part in activities, but go elsewhere to sleep, we still expect you to contribute to the cost of running the event.
 
Instruments Available
The instruments described below are available for members to borrow, though special conditions will apply in some cases. However, don't let this put you off. These instruments are owned by the Society so that its members can use them and enjoy the night sky.
 
Solar Max 60mm Solar Telescope
Awards For All LogoWith the help of a grant from the AWARDS FOR ALL "Lottery Grants for Local Groups" the Society has been able to purchase a Coronado Solar Max 60mm Solar telescope, with an HEQ5 Pro Scan equatorial mount and binocular viewer. This will not initially be available for loan to individual members, but will be used at Society observing sessions, at public events to promote astronomy, and at schools to support astronomy education.
 
Dobsonian (12 inch Meade Lightbridge)
A wonderful instrument for viewing all manner of astronomical objects in the night sky.
 
Refractor (2 inch Zeiss)
A small but surprisingly effective refractor, great for looking at planets and double stars.
 
Solarscope
A cunning device made mostly of cardboard which makes observing the Sun safely by projection easy.
 
Binoculars 7x50
A pair of 7x50 binoculars, ideal for sweeping the night sky to look for the brighter star cluster and nebulae.