This year we have a talk every month and have scehduled an observation evening for the first Saturday after the New Moon.
Club Member
A journey into Astrophotography
Find out moreCommission for Dark Skies
Two eyes are better than one - The use of binoculars in astronomy
Chair - Wessex Astronomical Society
Solar System oddities
Chair - Wells & Mendip Astronomers
Spectroscopy – cracking starlight’s hidden code
CCAC Committee member
Listening to the Universe - Radioastronomy
At the Rising Sun, a friendly get together with other local clubs testing our astronomy and general knowledge.
Observation Evenings take place on the first Saturday after each New Moon at Win Green:
Please note, you do not have to have a telescope to join the groups on Win Green. There are always enough scopes there provided by other members. A pair of binoculars is always useful, but again not a requirement. The important aim is to enjoy viewing the night sky with other enthusiasts!
Don't forget you will need to keep warm during these sessions. There is a fair bit of standing about so scarfs, gloves, big coats etc. are essential kit.
For example during one of our impromptu sessions in early 2024, it was -5oC. A tad chilly.
Similar to the above but outside our formal programme, our WhatsApp 'Cranborne Chase Astro' will let you know if people are going up to Win Green for a spontaneous observing session. Watch out for the blue logo.
We have started to experiment with different lcoations for our impromptu observation sessions, a new one being Duncliffe Woods. Details will be posted in the WhatsApp and Discord groups.
All CCAC Observation Evenings are open to the public at no charge.
Monthly talks will be held at The Grosvenor Arms on the High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JA
All talks are free to members (there's a £4 guest fee for non-members). Refreshments will be available to buy at the bar before and during the interval.
Observation evenings will be held at Win Green (unless otherwise advertised on WhatsApp or Discord) Donhead Hollow, Near Ludwell. They are free for all.
Finally, observing opportunities are available through the National Landscapes (AONB), who have given the following dates and locations for observing events so far in 2024: More details on their website
Coming by Car via the A30 or B3081, follow the signs for the 'Town Centre'. At the top of the high street is the hotel, opposite NatWest bank.
We will be in the Assembly Room on the first floor - there is disabled/wheelchair access available via a lift to the left as you enter the hotel.
There is no dedicated parking here but there is parking across the road in Bell Street car park, which is free after 6pm.
There are more detailed instructions on the Grosvenor Arms website. There is also a map showing the closest car parks.