We have a talk every month and have scehduled an observation evening for the closest Saturday (or Friday if clearer skies) to the New Moon.
The Bible for Astronomers
The best-selling and arguably the most influential book of all time includes many historical references to stars, some awe-inspiring and some apocalyptic.
Were they accurate recordings of real events, simple myths, or can modern astronomy shed new light on these writings?
Smart Telescopes for Astrophotography
The work of the UK Space Agency
Protoplanetary Discs: why they form, how they work, how (we think) they form planets, observational evidence for their existence.
Observing in Namibia
Hosted at Fordingbridge
Our world-famous (ahem) inter-club quiz. We need to win back the cup!
No formal meetings due to the sun being rather bright and lasting for hours. However, watch this space for news and event we are hopeing to have.
Dark energy
Chair - Wessex Astronomical Society
Secret stowaways or Dots to pixels... TBC
Apollo Science Stations and More: The science stations which were left on the moon by all of the Apollo landing expeditions, the related space walk activities on the Lunar surface and my own involvement in the prelaunch activities
The Rising Sun
Formal club chat for the first half and then a chance to socialise.
Observation Evenings take place on the closest Saturday (with the idea to swap to the Friday if clearer) to each New Moon at Win Green or Compton Abbas air feild (please keep an eye here for details):
These dates are obviously weather dependant. But we will have our member's only 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.
Scheduled CCAC Observation Evenings are open to the public at no charge, but the impromptu ones announced vis the WhatsApp or Discord groups are club members only.
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 or Compton Abbas air feild (unless otherwise advertised on WhatsApp or Discord). 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.