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Bath Astronomers

@bathastronomers.org.uk
312 followers 79 following 314 posts

Lovely bunch of amateur astronomers in and around the historic city of Bath, Somerset, UK. Rescuing telescopes from dusty cupboards, sharing how-tos, and inspiring minds with outreach are our things. Registered Charity Number 1215572.

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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 9h
365 challenges completed already under 100hours.online and still a night to go. Many thanks to Jenny Shipway, Gemma Kerr, James Fawcett and Neill Sanders for making it possible.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 03/10/2026
Really looking forward to Dr Heather Johnston's talk to Bath Astronomers and the public on Wednesday 28th October. The title is "Nature vs Nuture: Sculpting Planetary Systems" Tickets available at: bathastronomers.org.uk/2026_dr_heat...
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 02/10/2026
Such an enjoyable evening at Wellow with families taking on the 100hours.online challenges. We dodged the clouds to complete all the challenges and have a visual and telescopic tour of the slies over Somerset. Thanks to all the lovely families that travelled to Wellow this evening.
M27 Dumbbell NebulaMessier 13 Great Globular Cluster in HerculesMessier 81 and 82 in Ursa MajorThe public outreach at Wellow by Bath Astronomers was a hit this evening.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 02/10/2026
We had a lot of fun and had quite a few see Saturn for the very first time. A few meteors thrown in for fun.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 02/10/2026
A great start to 100 Hours of Astronomy with challenges completed all over the UK. Still 3 more nights to get friends and family involve simply by visiting 100hours.online on your smartphone. #100HoursOfAstronomy #100Hours #stargazingcountdown #StarryNights #selfcare
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 01/10/2026
The southwest finds gaps in the clouds this morning and starts 100Hours of Astronomy using the amazing app at 100hours.online 4 fun tasks to spot things in the night sky. You can take part this evening. Runs from 1st to 4th October
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 29/09/2026
Bath Astronomers members are supporting 100hours.online to encourage everyone to look up and enjoy the night sky. Hoping for loads of pins in the online UK map in the south west. The action starts on Thursday 1st October at 00:00 so keen to see those first pins on web app. 100hours.online
Woman with hot drink looking up to the stars above a village green or local playing field.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 28/09/2026
Whoosh!!! Just 5 more years to Jupiter.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 27/09/2026
Saturn reaches opposition on 4th October. This is when the Earth moves directly (almost) between the Sun and the Saturn. There is an odd visual effect on the brightness of the rings as observed from Earth. It is called Opposition Surge or the Seeliger Effect after its discoverer.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 26/09/2026
How can it not launch an amazing day to step out the front door at 6am and see Jupiter and Mars immediately?
Jupiter and Mars
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/09/2026
Ready to deliver Georgian astronomy outreach at the Jane Austen Festival.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/09/2026
Great. Clap. Clap. You can help me wash 22 kids astronaut costumes.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 13/09/2026
After a day of solid cloud cover and drizzle, I find myself surprised that the Sun kept busy without us. I love using jHelioviewer to make videos from Solar Dynamics Observatory images.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 13/09/2026
For over 7 years, the favourite activity when out and about on outreach is pneumatic paper rocket launching. Even better when dressed as an astronaut.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 12/09/2026
A great day sharing the fun and fascination of space with hundreds at Bathampton Village Show. We missed the 100's of Jane Austens in the City Centre but my hat had a Georgian theme.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 12/09/2026
All set up ready for our final local show of the year. It's never been about a membership drive. Just a little area in a field to spark wonder in minds of every generation who popped along for the Tombola, burnt burgers and Face Painting
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 12/09/2026
Bath Astronomers have visited 10 community fetes this year. The final one this year is today - Bathampton Village Show. Larkhall Fest, WestFest, Combe Down Fest, Saltford Fest, Bath Rotary Fest, Hinton Charterhouse Fete, Odd Down Fest, Batheaston Fete, Wellow Village Show & Marshfield Village Day.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 11/09/2026
Got my copy of How to Design a Universe by @astroroyalscot.bsky.social . Looking forward to reading it on cloudy evenings when stargazing is not possible. Clear this evening so it will have to wait. Supernovas to have a look at.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 28/08/2026
Smart Scopes are great but sometimes they can be a pain and you can miss the very thing you set out to watch.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 28/08/2026
Almost maximum
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 28/08/2026
Love that Moon and Earth working together
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 28/08/2026
Enjoying the eclipse from a Somerset hillside with a badger
Moon going through partial eclipse
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 16/08/2026
Team Astronaut
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 16/08/2026
Great to be part of a local village's annual celebration of their community. Marshfield Village, South Gloucestershire. Rockets, Astronauts and Solar Astronomy at Marshfield Horticultural Show and Village Day.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 11/08/2026
Taken my colander on holiday to Bristol. Seeing the eclipse safely for those without eclipse glasses
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 11/08/2026
Well that's fun. First time I've been asked to do an interview with the opening line "you must bring your own Colander!"
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 08/08/2026
I was really hoping for some great sunspot groups around the time of the solar eclipse to really accentuate the Moon's transit but I fear the cupboard may well be bare 😭
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 07/08/2026
It's fun watching the waning Moon sneaking up on the Sun. Just 5 days until the Ninja Moon takes out the Sun.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 06/08/2026
Had a fun morning up in the Paddocks by Beckford's Tower checking all is ready for the partial solar eclipse next Wednesday evening. Thanks to Netty for being an amazing guide.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 05/08/2026
Waiting for lunar impact, under clouds, and getting wet fro. The rain. Oddly very happy.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 13/05/2026
Bath Astronomers are kicking off their Partial Solar Eclipse campaign 3 months ahead of the big event on Wednesday 12th August 2026. The society are looking to supply up to 40 local schools with free solar glasses and guidance for schools on how to train pupils on their safe usage. Going to be busy
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 26/04/2026
Great the buddy up with Bath Space Society at the University of Bath to run an evenings stargazing for all at Brickfields Park, Bath last night. Lots of people seeing different types of celestial objects for the very first time.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 29/03/2026
Thanks to Skye of Transition Bath for organising last night's #EarthHour in Royal Victoria Park, Bath. It was great to chat about protecting the night sky and then look up into it with 6 different telescopes all lined up and loads of keen visitors. The telescope crew were Martin, Roger and Simon.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 24/03/2026
Great evening catching up with friends at @bathastronomers.org.uk 50th Anniversary bash. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell gave a fine talk and I got to catch up with Dr Jen Millard of Amesome Astronomy and Weatherman Walking fame.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 23/03/2026
Back in school today. This time Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, to help support their topic To Infinity and Beyond. We spent our time looking for exoplanets, planets beyond those in our precious solar system. Over 7,000 found and no inbound phone calls for ET detected... yet.
The dome inflated in the Sports HallMap of Downside School campus. The dome was in the Sports Hall today
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 22/03/2026
The Bath Astronomical Society had its first meeting on Wednesday 24th March 1976. It was held at the Percy Boys Club and the small ad in the Bath Evening Chronicle had mustered quite a crowd. Great things lay ahead for the Bath Astronomical Society. As Bath Astronomers, it is still going strong.
Advert to come to the first meeting on Wednesday 24th March 1976Front page of the Bath Evening Chronicle on Wednesday 24th March 1976Report in the Bath Evening Chronicle of the outcome of the first meeting of Bath Astronomical SocietyAfter the second meeting of the Bath Astronomical Society, expectations and ambitions are really high.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 22/03/2026
A busy weekend of astronomy outreach. Had planned a quiet Sunday but lots of fixing/planning astro jobs to do!!! We've supported Astrofest 2026 by StarQuest in Sutton Veny and run two simultaneous observing sessions. One north of Bath for the public and one in All Cannings, Wilts for brave members.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/03/2026
The losing streak is over... Our drought of public stargazing due to poor weather had reached 17th events in a row but tonight... we smashed it with a big group of happy punters. 5 telescopes and a large pair of binoculars entertained a mix of the public, families and students from the college.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 12/03/2026
A new record. Bath Astronomers have just cancelled its 17th stargazing event in a row!!! All due to the weather. We only count events which are 100% weather dependent. We've still been managing lots of outreach especially during #BritishScienceWeek. Perhaps Saturday night will go ahead. Fingers xx
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 11/03/2026
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR THE 2026 CAROLINE HERSCHEL PRIZE LECTURESHIP Applications are now open for the 2026 Prize Lectureship. Apply by 30 April. Details on the award itself, eligibility, and the application form, are available here: herschelsociety.org.uk/caroline-her...
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 10/03/2026
To Dome or not to Dome? That is the Question. It's #BritishScienceWeek so Dome, Dome, Dome. Just been to St. Michael's Junior School, Bath to bring the edge of the universe a little closer to the classroom for Yr3 to Yr6.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 10/03/2026
A #BritishScienceWeek visit to a local school, Bishop Henderson, to experience the creation of the solar system as told through Space Rocks. Great sessions with Reception up to Year 3. Showing mind blowing science before someone's told them "it's not for them". Inspiring the next gen scientists
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 08/03/2026
#WalesWestSpacefest was a great success at Aerospace Bristol. Our wonderful volunteers were busy giving talks, running activities and crewing stands. Good to meet so many people: Cardiff AS, Bristol AS, Aerospace Bristol, Herschel Museum, BIS, BAA, Space Detectives, WMA, Space West & Space Wales.
The Soyuz docking simulatorThe 5m planetarium domeThe Bath Astronomers' stand crewed by Mia and Prim with John checking our displayHerschel Museum's Joe and Jonathan just before the doors opened to the public
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 18/02/2026
Huge thank you to Paul Newport for his donation of a 10" dobsonian telescope to @bathastronomers.org.uk. This Sky-Watcher Skyliner 250P Flextube will join our range of telescopes used for public outreach. It'll get a little spruce up and collimated and it'll be in action once the clouds clear.
A Sky-Watcher Skyliner 250P FlexTube telescope set up and waiting for the rain to stop
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 16/02/2026
A walk under the stars this evening to count the number of stars visible in the constellation of Orion as part of CPRE Somerset #StarCount2026. Tonight I counted 22 stars inside the rectangle of Betelgeuse, Saiph, Rigel and Bellatrix from w3w.co/worry.tricks...
The constellation of Orion over the hedgerow, taken with a Samsung S20 mobile phone.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/02/2026
Joe, Jonathan and Simon had great fun this evening at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy welcoming guests to an evening under the clouds and chatting about Dark Skies, Elon Musk, and the Herschel family. Bath Astronomers are delighted to support the Museum and continue to be the resident astronomers.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/02/2026
Our fifth decade will be acheived on Tuesday 24th March 2026. Bath Astronomical Society was born at 8pm in a room at Percy Boys Club on the third Wednesday of March, 1976. We'll celebrate with Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell at the Old Theatre Royal Bath. Tickets via bathastronomers.org.uk/50anniversary
Image using Bath Astronomers logo to indicate it's uncoming 50th Anniversary
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/02/2026
Less than 3 weeks until Wales & West Spacefest at Aerospace Bristol. Saturday 7th March from 9:30am to 5pm. Astro talks, stands, kids activities, mobile planetarium and virtual reality headsets. If you don't go home dizzy, we've done something wrong. Tickets @ aerospacebristol.org/wales-west-s...
Concorde flying through nebulae and past exoplanets to advertise the event at Aerospace BristolThe plan for talks on the day.
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/02/2026
Schools have been amazing and invited us in our the last few weeks to support the National Curriculum and Yr5s doing Space or simply to bring science to life in the classroom. Busy days but so much fun. Never gets boring with questions on black holes, alien life, and when the Sun will explode.
The 5m dome setup in the library so that Year 5 can experience the UniverseAnother wonderful school, another day out and about with the 5m dome. This time Grove Primary School in Trowbridge for a day of rocketry
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Bath Astronomers @bathastronomers.org.uk · 14/02/2026
Getting out and about to talk about astronomy in the local community and how it can help from stress management and relaxing to inspiring people to think beyond their iPhone and Traitors. Welcomed by Toni Green at Radio Bath to chat on air about outreach and Bath Astronomers.
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