Astronomy Back to Basics, Cardiff

Saturday 7th Jun 2025 09:30 - 17:00

Click on the image to download the flier as a PDF

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


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