Astronomy Back to Basics – Pontefract
Saturday 8th Nov 2025 09:30 - 17:00
Curious about the Cosmos? Have an interest in astronomy? Want to know more?
The British Astronomical Association (BAA), West Yorkshire Astronomy Society (WYAS) and the Society for Popular Astronomy (SPA) have come together to bring you a fantastic opportunity to explore the basics of astronomy.
You can book tickets ONLINE here.
Join us for this all-day event in Carleton Grange Community Centre, Carleton Road, Carleton, Pontefract WF8 3RJ.
Topics to be covered include:
- Observing the night sky
- The Moon
- The Sun
- Introduction to astrophotography
- Choosing binoculars and telescopes
- Try this at home – ways of getting involved in astronomy without your own telescope
There will be hands-on activities too:
- Observe the Sun safely with some specialist telescopes, see sunspots and prominences (weather permitting!)
- Hold actual pieces of meteorites from the Moon, Mars and asteroids
- Try your hand at sketching the Moon
- Talk to astronomy retailers
- Try out different telescopes
- Make observations with remote telescopes
- If the weather is clear in the evening visit the observatory
There will be friendly experts on hand to discuss any questions you may have, and to talk about how local and national astronomy societies can help you on your astronomical journey of discovery.
TICKETS:
Adults £10
Members of BAA, WYAS and SPA £8
Under 18s accompanied by an adult £5
Prices include refreshments but not lunch
Please book your tickets ONLINE here
★ Astronomy stands ★ Door Prizes ★
Please also note that one of the speakers has a severe nut allergy, so we would ask you not to bring any kind of nut, or anything with nuts in it, to this event.
Draft Programme
| Topic | ||
| 10:00 | Welcome and Housekeeping | |
| 10:15 | Introduction to the Night Sky | Mark Hardaker |
| 10:45 | The Solar System | Nick James |
| 11:15 | Refreshments and Hands on Activities including
Investigating comets and asteroids Handling meteorites, bits of the Moon and Mars
|
|
| 11:45 | Observing the Sun | Stuart Green |
| 12:15 | Introduction to Equipment for Astronomy | Grant Bowskill |
| 12:45 | Lunch (not provided, please bring your own)
Hand on activities including: Observing the Sun (weather permitting) Trying different types of telescopes Sketching the Sun Sketching the Moon Setting up observations with remote telescopes |
|
| 1:45 | Observing the Moon | Philip Jennings |
| 2:15 | Introduction to Photographing the Night Sky | Mark Redburn (WYAS) |
| 2:45 | Refreshments and Hands on Activities including:
Sketching the Moon Investigating Craters – impact simulator Discussing photography with experts Investigating light |
|
| 3:15 | Revealing the Mysteries of Deep Space | Jeni Millard |
| 3:50 | Try this at Home – how everyone can access big telescopes from home | Andy Newsam |
| 4:25 | Be Part of Something Bigger | WYAS |
| 4:40 | Raffle, thanks and wrap up | |
| 5:00 | Finish
If weather good, option for WYAS observatory viewing |
Venue
Carleton Grange Community Centre, Carleton Road, Carleton, Pontefract WF8 3RJ