The Cardiff Astronomical Society (CAS) is a thriving society located in South East Wales. It has been in existence for over 50 years and is one of the largest amateur astronomical societies in the UK. CAS provides a range of facilities for both Society members and the public at large including a varied programme of talks on Thursday evenings (except in August) at the Physics and Astronomy Department of Cardiff University. In addition, regular night sky (and occasional solar) Observing Sessions and star parties are held at the Society's own Observatory at Dyffryn Gardens.
Our members come from all walks of life and their knowledge of astronomy ranges from complete beginner to advanced. You don't need any specialist knowledge to join us and neither do you need to own a telescope or binoculars. It's also possible to try us out before joining!
More details about the Society and what it does are available here.
We are keen to get more Society members on board to assist with the running of CAS events - please see here how you can Help Us.
Next Talk:
Thursday 9th July - "The Drake Equation" Dr Jeni Millard
Latest FAS Newsletter:
Please click here for the latest FAS Newsletter.
Previous FAS newsletters can be found on our web page here.
If you have any content you would like to be published by FAS, please send to newsletter@fedastro.org.uk.
Articles on Society activities such as outings or outreach events are welcome. As are astronomical Observations by Society members, either images, drawings, notes etc. Articles should be submitted in Microsoft Word format with accompanying images supplied in separate jpeg files. Full details of the Author and Society should be included. Images should include details of observer, location, equipment used and their Society name.
Latest BAA Education and Outreach Section Newsletter:
Updated 29/05/2026
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Education and Outreach Section of the
British Astronomical Association
Please click here for the latest E&O Newsletter.
Fortnightly CAS Social (Tuesday Evening) via Zoom (Members Only):
CAS Members' Zoom Socials will resume on Tuesday 2nd September 2025.
Once a fortnight (same week as Thursday talk) on a Tuesday evening from 19:00 to around 21:00, we hold a social get together on zoom where we chat about both astronomical and non-astronomical subjects, have a quiz and have presentations by members. The presentations are usually on either member’s hobbies or their travels, but can be on anything they think others will find interesting.
Why not come along one week to see what you think? You do not need to stay for the whole session and people often arrive late or leave early because of other commitments. It is very informal!
To register your interest complete the ContactUsForm. Please include your Membership Number and you will be sent a link to the next session.
Dark and Quiet Skies
Astronomy needs dark, quiet skies, but light and radio pollution from growing space activity is putting them at risk. 🛰️
The Group of Friends for Dark and Quiet Skies, composed of UN COPUOS Member States and Observers, wants to hear from you. 🫵
Whether you work in government, industry, academia, research, or civil society - or you're a professional or amateur astronomer, or represent an indigenous, cultural or heritage community - your perspective matters. 💫
Please take a few minutes to complete the global survey and help inform international discussions on protecting our Dark and Quiet Skies: Click Here For Survey
CAS News
The Committee would like to thank Philip Wallace, JP FRAS for 10 years of dedicated service in the role of Chair of Cardiff Astronomical Society.
Phill reliably brought his knowledge, enthusiasm, good humour and excellent waistcoats to our talks, outreach events and stargazing parties over the last decade. Phill is stepping down as Chair, but continues on as a CAS Trustee - you may still see him at fortnightly talks (though no longer on the stage!) and volunteering at a CAS event where possible around his busy work schedule.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Jane Clark, CSci CEng CPhys FInstP FRAS to the position of Chair. With an extensive background in science and author of several astronomy books, Jane steps up from the role of Vice-Chair to head the Committee. We warmly welcome Jane into this role and look forward to the leadership, insight and passion she will bring to the Society. Her experience and dedication to astronomy is invaluable; we look forward to supporting Jane as she leads the Society into its next chapter.
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Norman Jenkins.
Norman joined CAS soon after it was founded and helped it to grow from a fledgling society to the size and standing it has today, for which current members should be thankful. He held senior Committee posts for most of its existence, regularly attending talks thereafter.
He had been our Treasurer, Director of Observations, helped maintain an equipment pool, contributed to many public events, met/greeted speakers, given talks and contributed articles to our Newsletters.
Norman and his wife Ann hosted Committee meetings in their home, they both supported many social occasions and our two trips abroad to view total solar eclipses.
And apart from his many contributions to CAS, he was a lovely gentleman who could always be relied upon to have the rest of us in fits of laughter.
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The Night Sky This Month
(Courtesy of BBC Sky at Night Magazine)
The Night Sky This Month
(Published by Cosmic Pursuits)
The Night Sky in 2026
(Courtesy of the Royal Observatory)
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Upcoming Events:
For a full list of events, please see Public Events page
FAS Convention
Saturday 27th June 2026
Cardiff University
Ancient Tech, Modern Challenges, and the Future of STEM
Join us at the Cardiff University for an exciting event covering a wide range of topics!
Explore the history of astronomy, current challenges, and future possibilities. Engage with leading experts in the field and fellow enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting your journey into the stars, this convention promises to inspire and educate.
Doors will open at 9 am, with the programme running from 10am to 5pm.
To keep costs down, we are asking you to bring your own lunch. We will provide hot and cold drinks, and biscuits.
Speakers will include:
Prof. Paul Roche FRAS, Chair of Astronomy Education at Cardiff University – Using astronomy to engage students in STEM
Prof. Mike Lockwood FRS, Current President of the Royal Astronomical Society - Space Junk - The danger of orbital collisions
Dr Jane Clark - How We Became Aware of Galaxies
Dr Jenifer Millard – aka Dr Jen – A Waste of Space
Prof. Mike Edmunds - Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics - The Antikythera Mechanism
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite
Helios - National Museum Cardiff
From 21st July 2026
UK artist Luke Jerram's seven-metre sun sculpture will be on display at the National Museum Cardiff from 21st July, including NASA imagery and a magical soundscape.
Click here to read more and book your tickets, free of charge!
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Recent Events:
Solar Viewing at Libanus - 20th June 2026
This June, the CAS team made their annual trip to Libanus Mountain Centre for a spot of solar viewing, taking with them scopes, safety glasses and solar information.
Our lead volunteer, Theresa, said:
"A very successful day: the sun cooperated (most of the time) and we had a good welcome from our hosts.
There was a steady stream of visitors and as in past years we had an international audience; Italian, Cypriot, Dutch, Spanish, South African and English.
Views of the Sun were offered through eclipse specs, the solar scopes and a See star. Most people took advantage of all 3 and we heard many exclamations of surprise and ‘wow’ as they looked at our nearest star. Bob offered images on a large screen TV from one of the robotic telescopes in Australia. And Tiffany did her usual busy trade with CAS merchandise including a new range of goodies.
It was pleasing to see a new set of information boards highlighting the dark skies of the Park and what can be seen season by season, with very good detail about the adverse effects of light pollution on the natural world and wildlife."
Interested in visiting Libanus for stargazing? See a list of night-time events hosted by Libanus Mountain Centre here.
The Autumn Dark Skies festival will take place on 7th November - details to follow closer to the time.
Musem of the Moon - 4th April 2026
Well it was very good of NASA to arrange things so that the Artemis II mission tied in with the Museum of the Moon event... Perhaps one reason why the National Museum Cardiff had a record-breaking day of 7643 people through the door!
I’m sure some of the CAS team feel as if they’ve chatted to every attendee.
Click here to read more about the event and see our photos from the day.
Museum of the Moon will exhibit until 12th April 2026 - click here to book your free tickets.
Museum After Dark: Science On Show - National Museum Cardiff
Wednesday 18th February 2026, 6pm-9pm
Per annual tradition, CAS volunteers ran a stand at the always-anticipated Museum After Dark event at the National Museum this February. Suitable for all the family, the programme was packed with talks and exhibits.
With a staggering 1500 guests through the doors, the CAS team were kept busy all evening, and Chairperson Phill made it to the big stage to present (pictured below).
A reminder for next year that though the event is free of charge, please be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as the evening continues to be fully booked each year!
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Join or Support CAS:
Come and join some of the Society's members at one of our talks or observing events. We promise a warm and friendly welcome for all. Only £18/£3/£24 per annum for Adult/Junior/Family membership also means you can make use of our Library.
Gift Aid:
CAS is registered for Gift Aid. This means that, if you are a UK taxpayer, we can claim back the standard rate tax on subscriptions (and on any donations) giving an effective 25% boost to the amount the Society has received. However, in order to reclaim these monies from HMRC, we need all members who pay tax to complete and return a Charity Gift Aid Declaration form. Please note that if you have paid your subscriptions by PayPal, you will have already been asked if you would consent to those subscriptions being Gift Aided – but we still need a completed Charity Gift Aid Declaration form in order for us to reclaim the tax paid as Gift Aid.
If you are eligible, please take a form (using the button opposite) and then complete it and pass it to us at one of the fortnightly talks or send it to CAS by post or email (see the bottom of the form). Thank you for your help!
Support CAS when shopping online with easy fundraising:
CAS outreach for schools, colleges, businesses & organisations:
We welcome all invitations from schools, colleges, businesses, scouts, guides and other organisations in providing outreach. We can host events our our observatory in Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan. We can also discuss events with your organisation to include stargazing, talks and activities. We do not charge a fee for this but would kindly request that expenses are covered as we volunteer our time.
We have a wide range of expertise & can offer events to all ages and knowledge levels.
If you would like to discuss outreach with us please use our ContactusForm and someone will contact you.
It should be noted that CAS has a formal Policy on Child Protection and the Protection of Vulnerable Adults
