Welcome to East Sussex Astronomical Society

 (Scroll down for our latest news and events)

Our aim is simple, we want people to enjoy astronomy and feel welcome to join in our activities.   We meet on the first Thursday of each month at St Mary's School and College, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 2LU (How To Find Us). Our meetings start at 8 pm and take the form of a main speaker, break for coffee then short talks, including the months sky notes, by Society members. Each August, in place of our meeting,  the Society holds its annual BBQ.

We have members of all ages whose abilities range from beginners to seasoned astronomers. Non members are welcome at our meetings where they will receive a copy of the ESAS magazine, Albedo, and a welcome pack from the Society.  If you would like a copy of Albedo, please contact the Society Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer.  Their details can be found here

ESAS has it own observatory with a 16" telescope which is available for members use. We also have a range of telescopes which members can use.  We hold regular observing sessions and frequent public observing events.  In addition to our astronomical activities we arrange a number of "non astronomical" events throughout the year for our members, their families and friends.  These include various meals, quizzes and visits.

Whether a member or non member, you will receive a warm welcome at ESAS and there are always experienced astronomers on hand to help and advise you on any issues you may have.

ESAS is a member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies, British Astronomical Association and Southern Area Group of Astronomical Societies. 

 

You can find out more about ESAS and our events by visiting our social networking sites at "ESAS on Facebook", "ESAS on Twitter" and "Friends of ESAS" on Facebook. 

 

Our Coming Events

Friday 18th May ~ Observing at the Dark Site

Join Simon Thorne and Paul Foster at the Dark Site from 8.30 pm weather permitting to observe Saturn, Mars and a selection deep sky objects.

3rd June ~ Solar Observing ~ De La Warr Pavilion 10 am

4th June ~ ESAS @ Behill Horse Show ~ The Polegrove, Bexhill from 9 am - 5 pm

ESAS have a stand promoting Astronomy, ESAS and will have Solar viewing all day. (Weather permitting)

5th June ~ ESAS Astronomy Festival ~ De La Warr Pavilion 10 am - 6 pm

  • Solar viewing on the Terrace, white light and Hydrogen Alpha (All day weather permiting)
  • 2 x Solar System walks one @ 12:30 and one at 3:30 from DLWP to Café on the Beach Glyne gap 2.5Km. (Please book at the ESAS table)
  • Large inflatable Planetarium, 5 talks lasting half an hour every hour until 5:30 The Presentation is entitled 'The Cosmic Classroom' (Please note restrictions apply as space is limited, Please book a performance through the DLWP Box office or on the day at the ESAS desk)
  • ESAS Table giving information about our society and advice about astronomy, and space goodies for sale.
  • Members telescope will be on show for the general public to look at.
  • Live Faulkes Telescope viewing from Hawaii and or Australia.
  • Video message from Sir Patrick Moore to all participants. (played through out the day)
  • Birthday Star, given a year of birth this program will print a star map with a star that it’s light left that star the year you were born. ESAS will print a start chart of that star for members of the public.
  • Make your own Galaxy & Nebulae, beautiful designs produced and all individually different.
  • Lots of Information videos being shown throughout the day at various points around the DLWP.
  • Childrens Corner where we have lots of Space and Astronomy related colouring for them to do. (May be the adults would like to join in too!)

6th June ~ Transit of Venus ~ Early start 4:30am Galley Hill  

7th June ~ ESAS Meeting ~ Stars that go bang in the night ~ Dr Robert Smith 

Robert Smith was educated at the University of Glasgow (BSc Mathematics and Physics, PhD Astronomy) and taught there from 1966 to 1968, when he moved to Sussex as a Research Fellow. He has been a member of the teaching faculty of the Astronomy Centre since 1972, and has published an undergraduate textbook (Observational Astrophysics, CUP 1995). From 1996-2001 he was Subject Chairman of Physics and Astronomy and from 2001-2003 he served as Dean of the School of Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science. From August 2003 to July 2004 he was Head of Department of Physics and Astronomy in the new School of Science and Technology. He retired at the end of September 2006, but continues to be active in research and to supervise a small number of practical projects. He also continued to teach one course (Stellar Structure) until the end of 2011-12