Astronomy Back to Basics, Cardiff
Saturday 7th Jun 2025 09:30 - 17:00
The British Astronomical Association (BAA), Cardiff Astronomical Society (CAS) and the Society for Popular Astronomy (SPA) have come together to bring you a fantastic opportunity to explore the basics of astronomy
Join us for this all-day event hosted by Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy in the Trevithick Building The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA.
Topics to be covered include:
- Observing the night sky
- The Moon
- The Sun
- Introduction to astrophotography
- Choosing binoculars and telescopes
- Surviving Armageddon
- Ways of getting involved in astronomy without your own telescope
- Connecting with other enthusiasts
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 out different telescopes
- Talk to Astronomy retailers
There will be 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.
★ 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.
Tickets
| Members of BAA, CAS and SPA | £8.00 |
| Non-member adults | £10.00 |
| Under 18s accompanied by an adult | £5.00 |
Prices include refreshments but not lunch
Bookings
You can Book Online at our ticketing website (TicketTailor).
A discount code is available for members of the BAA, SPA and Cardiff Astro Society members. BAA members can get the code from BAA member benefit codes for 2025
SPA and Cardiff Astro Society members will have the code circulated to them.
Or you can book by calling the BAA Office on 0207 734 4145 (staffed 10am to 4pm, Mon-Fri)
Venue
Trevithick Lecture Theatre,
Trevithick Building
The Parade
Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 3AA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XHFBmwXNsCzmxYV86
Draft Programme
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 10:00 | Welcome and Housekeeping | |
| 10:10 | Welcome to Cardiff University Astronomy | Prof Paul Roche
Cardiff University |
| 10:30 | Introduction to the Night Sky | Robin Scagell
Vice President, Society for Popular Astronomy |
| 11:00 | The Solar System | Philip Jennings
BAA, Journal Editor |
| 11:25 | Refreshment and chatting break | |
| 11:55 | The Sun | Gary Palmer,
BAA Solar Section and Assistant Director Equipment and Techniques Section |
| 12:15 | The Moon | Dr Tony Cook
Aberystwyth University and Director BAA Lunar Section |
| 12:45 | Astronomical Equipment | Grant Bowskill
BAA Education and Outreach Section |
| 1:05 | Lunch and hands on activities
Solar Viewing Telescopes and equipment discussion Lunar sketching Handling meteorites Trade stands Chat to experts |
|
| 2:30 | Surviving Armageddon | Phill Wallace,
Cardiff Astronomical Society |
| 3:00 | Introduction to Astronomical Photography | Gary Palmer,
BAA Solar Section and Assistant Director Equipment and Techniques Section |
| 3:30 | Refreshments and chat | |
| 4:00 | Try this at home | Prof Andy Newsam
Schools Observatory, Liverpool John Moores University |
| 4:35 | Be Part of Something Bigger | Helen Usher
Open University, Cardiff University Director BAA Education and Outreach Section |
| 4:50 | Wrap up, raffle, thanks | |
| 5:00 | Finish |
Getting There
BY TRAIN
The Trevithick Building is a short walk (10 minutes) from Cardiff Queen Street station, which has frequent links from Cardiff Central Station where the intercity trains arrive. The walk from Cardiff Central Station is about 25 minutes.
BY CAR
There is easy on street parking close to the venue (Pay and Display) in The Parade and West Grove. The cost is £12 for 8 hours.
BY BUS
Details of Cardiff buses can be found here
https://www.cardiffbus.com/
Venue
Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy, The Trevithick Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA