making astronomy accessible to all

MENU
EVENTS www.midkentastro.org.uk/events
 
All regular meetings are open to members and visitors, held on the second and last Friday of each month, except August and at Christmas, when there are no meetings. Unless otherwise stated, meetings normally open at 7:40pm for an 8pm start, finishing around 10pm.
Print
DATEDETAILS
25-Jul
DETAILS
MKAS Summer Social - EARLY START OF 6pm
Bredhurst Village Hall


Details to follow.

12-Sep
DETAILS
Ryan French -Space Hazards
Bredhurst Village Hall


Abstract to follow

26-Sep
DETAILS
Simon Dawes - High Resolution Solar Observation and Imaging
Bredhurst Village Hall


Simon will explain how to observe the Sun safely and then how to optimise your own solar imaging set-up to get the best out of it.

SPEAKER DETAILS
Simon Dawes

Simon Dawes, has been passionate about observing the heavens for over 30 years. His dedication to Astronomy was recognized by the British Astronomical Association, which awarded him the prestigious Sir Patrick Moore Prize for his significant contributions to Pro-Am collaborations on exoplanet transit observations. Simon has successfully observed more than 100 transits, earning a Silver award from the ExoClock Organisation in 2023. He holds an Honours degree in Physics, has built 2 telescopes and modified many others.


10-Oct
Speaker & Topic TBC
Bredhurst Village Hall



24-Oct
DETAILS
FAMILY SPACE NIGHT **ALL WEATHER EVENT**
Bredhurst Village Hall



DETAILS AND GET YOUR TICKET

If you want some more fun for yourself or your children or grandchildren during the Half Term holiday, then look no further than our Family Space Night!

We are offering a brilliant evening which will include a beginner's guide to the night sky and displays about astronomy and space, We will have some hands on activities for the younger children from age 7 upwards. There will be plenty to occupy adults too!

Come along and learn about Space and Astronomy and, weather permitting, go outside and look at some interesting astronomical sights through a selection of telescopes.

We will have the latest electronically assisted observing telescopes allowing several people to log on and view the objects at the same time, as well as more conventional designs. Steps will be provided to help shorter adults and children reach the eyepieces.

Some highlights to look forward to:
- Hands-on displays about Space and our Solar System
- An exciting talk to give an introduction to the wonders of the night sky
- Moon rock and Meteorites: Look at different meteorites and hold a piece of the Moon!!
- some Meteorites available for purchase
- Craft activites for youngsters (7+)
- Stargazing outside (weather permitting)

PLUS - PLUS - PLUS
- FREE REFRESHMENTS - tea, coffee,squash and biscuits
- other refreshments on sale
- RAFFLE with impressive prizes.

In the past to Family Space Night events, we have had over 150 people visiting, so this is very popular and not one to be missed.

Doors open at 19:30pm.
ENTRY ONLY BY ADVANCE PURCHASE OF TICKETS.
??£5 for non-member adults
??£2 for members
Under 18s are FREE but they MUST be accompanied by an adult.

REMEMBER! It may well be quite cold outside at this time of year so wrap up warm if you are venturing outside to do some stargazing and to look through the telescopes.

POLITE REQUEST
Whilst it will obviously be dark outside we ask you not to use normal white light torches near the telescopes as they will spoil your night vision and that of others. We will have red lights to guide you to and from the telescopes.

PLEASE NOTE - we are all volunteers and the programme of events may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

14-Nov
Speaker & Topic TBC
Bredhurst Village Hall



28-Nov
DETAILS
Arthur Fentaman - Astrophotography using Smartphones
Bredhurst Village Hall


Arthur Fentaman will give an overview of how to take images of the night sky using mobile phones, followed by an extended Q&A session.

SPEAKER DETAILS
Arthur Fentaman

Arthur is a published astrophotographer and active MKAS member. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2020.


12-Dec
MKAS Christmas Social - MEMBERS and their guests ONLY
Bredhurst Village Hall


A chance for Members and their guests to relax, chat and enjoy each other's company at our annual Christmas Social. Free entry plus a free raffle ticket for each Member on arrival with an array of prizes to be won.

We will provide free refreshments but you may want to bring along your own wine or beer (or perhaps something stronger) if you wish and aren't driving.

Please also bring your own festive food to share. Sausage rolls and any other savoury items and mince pies can be warmed up in the kitchen.

Naz will host a SciFi quiz and Dingbats to go alongside the usual eating, drinking and chat. James will bring some Christmas music.

We look forward to seeing you in your party hats to get the festive season underway.

 


  Regular Meetings

Regular meetings are held on the second and last Friday of each month, except August and at Christmas, when there are no meetings. Meetings normally start at 7:40pm for 8pm.

These meetings are open to everyone of all ages and levels of expertise, including complete beginners.

In-person meetings held at Bredhurst Village Hall

All Regular meetings are held at Bredhurst Village Hall unless otherwise stated.
Bredhurst Village Hall : Hurstwood Road, Bredhurst, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JZ
Bredhurst is close to J4 off the M2. There is a car park on site.

There is a small entrance fee (£2 for members or £4 for visitors) for each meeting to cover refreshments and other meeting costs.

Following the presentation there will be a refreshments break giving a chance to talk with other MKAS members and visitors, followed by an observing session in the field behind the hall (weather permitting) and a telescope surgery in the hall, so if you are having problems with your telescope (or just want to show it off) bring it along.

Please dress appropriately for the weather, and be ready for observing, if it is clear. Remember that it can get very cold, especially in winter, so bring several layers or your warmest winter coat, as you feel appropriate.


Virtual meetings (held occasionally)

Occasionally, we hold virtual meetings where the speaker is not able to visit in person.
All virtual meetings are held on Zoom unless otherwise stated.

These meetings are open to members as part of their annual subscription, and also available to non-members who are welcome to attend, for a fee of £4.

Following the presentation there will be a short comfort break followed by the main speaker answering your questions. This is then followed by a "Chit-Chat" session for all present who wish to stay on, where we have the opportunity to discuss any astronomical topics or ask any questions to those present.

Non-members who wish to attend can make their request by emailing us by no later than noon on the day before the event, at MemberSec@midkentastro.org.uk
 



  Observatory Open Evenings

The James Irwin Observatory is
Confirmed CLOSED
It will remain closed until further notice.

On the Fridays when we do not hold our regular meetings at Bredhurst, and depending on the weather, we open our James Irwin Observatory in Canterbury for those who wish to do some observing.

We first meet at the Victoria Hotel from 8pm (Oct-Mar) / 8.30pm (Apr-Sep). Thirty minutes later, you will be escorted to the Observatory. Venue details are found on the left of this page.
 


  Outreach Events

MKAS often get asked to hold Astronomy events for various schools, councils, scout groups and other groups. The committee and other supportive members are very actively organising and holding events from small shows or talks to Spectacular Events where several thousand members of the public typically attend.
 


  Member Events

We organise various astronomy-related events and trips for our members. These are often subsidised.
 


  Other Events

Members may also be interested in other astronomy-related events, run by other groups and societies, that our members are welcome to attend.



All persons under 18yrs must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or responsible adult.

If you wish further information on MKAS or any of the meetings, events and activities of the Society, please contact us, using the details on the CONTACT page.





»EVENTS
»Regular Meetings
»Observatory Open Evenings
»Outreach Events
»Member Events
»Other Events

»PAST EVENTS


The James Irwin Observatory is
Confirmed CLOSED
It will remain closed until further notice.
 


MEETING VENUES

REGULAR MEETINGS:
Bredhurst Village Hall

Hurstwood Road,
Bredhurst, Gillingham,
Kent ME7 3JZ
(Close to J4 off the M2)
There is a car park on site.
Starts 7:40pm for 8pm.

OBSERVATORY EVENINGS:
James Irwin Observatory

Meet in the Conservatory at:
Victoria Hotel
59 London Road,
Canterbury, Kent
CT2 8JY
You will then be escorted to the observatory at 8:30pm (Oct-Mar) / 9pm (Apr-Sep)





WHY NOT JOIN THE
MID-KENT ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY TODAY?
Click here for details






Mid-Kent Astronomical Society
Website by and © Delta Consultancy Services
HOME | EVENTS | ABOUT US | TELESCOPES | PROJECTS | RESOURCES | THE GUIDE | CONTACT |