This year we have a talk every month and have scehduled an observation evening for the closest Saturday to the New Moon.
Group outing
Our group outing to visit the Norman Lockyer Observatory.
Shaftesbury
We have an opportunity to view a partial solar eclipse on a weekend. We should be able see, weather permitting, 30% coverage of the Sun by the Moon during this alignment. We have a supply of glasses for viewing the Sun safely and hope to set up some smart scopes to view using technology.
Please remember to view safely, do not look at the Sun directly.
Keep an eye on the Discord, WhatsApp group and here for further updates on location.
This is a free event and open to the public.
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 closest Saturday to each New Moon at Win Green:
These dates are obviously weather dependant. But we will have our member's impromptu sessions when we get a clear night.
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 £5 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), 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.