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 12th November 2026
Twinkle twinkle massive star. How I wonder where you are - Kira Lund, University of Bath
Talk Description:
The first stars of our universe produced the first chemical elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, that allowed the formation of all subsequent generations of stars and ultimately of life on Earth. Yet to this day, these first stars remain incredibly elusive to astronomers. This talk will cover why the first stars are so challenging to observe directly, as well as the methods that we can use to study them indirectly instead. In particular, a deep dive into the world of computational astrophysics will reveal how numerical simulations can be used to shed light on the characteristics of the first stars.
About Kira Lund:
I am a Swiss-Finnish PhD student at the University of Bath, working on the impact of the first stars on the chemical evolution of dwarf galaxies, using hydrodynamical simulations. Before coming to Bath, I obtained my master’s from a Swedish University that coincidentally shares my surname, where I studied how cosmic dust travels around galaxies like the Milky Way before being reincorporated into a planetary system such as our own Solar System. Outside of my research I am passionate about public engagement and have been active in a wide variety of outreach domains throughout my studies: from tutoring pupils to working in a planetarium or helping out with public observation nights, I love sharing the fascinating mysteries of the universe with a wider audience.
FAS Newsletters:
Updated 04/10/2026
Members can find the latest FAS newsletters here, along with the archive of previous newsletters.
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.
BAA Education and Outreach Section Newsletter:
Updated 10/08/2026
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Education and Outreach Section of the British Astronomical Association
can be found here.
Fortnightly CAS Social (Tuesday Evening) via Zoom (Members Only):
CAS Members' Zoom Socials will resume on Tuesday 1st September 2026.
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.
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.
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
Stargazing Evening - CAS Observatory, Dyffryn Gardens
September 26 - March 27
We are pleased to share our new dates for stargazing evenings (formerly known as Star Parties!) at our observatory in Dyffryn Gardens. Please use the link below to book a place, free of charge. Due to health and safety, those not registered will be turned away.
"Jod On! Explore the Universe with the stars of The Jodcast" Live Anniversary Show - Jodrell Bank
Thursday 19 November
Black holes, distant galaxies and 20 years of cosmic discoveries take centre stage as The Jodcast celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special live show at Jodrell Bank on Thursday 19 November 2026.
Taking place inside Jodrell Bank’s spectacular Space Dome, Jodcast Live - Parsecs, Planets and Podcasts promises an entertaining evening of fascinating astronomy, remarkable discoveries, behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of laughs, with the chance for audiences to put their own questions to the experts.
Whether you're passionate about space, curious about the mysteries of the Universe or simply looking for a different kind of night out, this special one-off event offers a rare opportunity to get closer to the scientists exploring the cosmos.
The evening will feature a stellar line-up of astronomers and science communicators, including:
Professor Jen Gupta, astronomer and science communicator who regularly brings the wonders of space to television and radio audiences.
Dr Olivia ‘Libby’ Jones, James Webb Space Telescope scientist exploring the evolution of stars and galaxies.
Dr Emma Alexander, radio astronomer investigating mysterious thread-like structures within our own Milky Way.
From the secrets of black holes to the extraordinary images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, the panel will explore some of astronomy’s biggest questions, reveal what life is really like at the forefront of scientific discovery and share the moments that have made The Jodcast so special.
And this won't be an evening of simply sitting back and listening. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask their own questions and become part of the anniversary podcast recording. Whether you want to know what lies beyond our galaxy, how astronomers make their discoveries or what it takes to become a space scientist, this is your chance to ask the experts.
Set beneath the immersive visuals of Jodrell Bank’s Space Dome, the evening promises a memorable mix of science, storytelling and cosmic curiosity. The First Light Pavilion Café will also be open, serving drinks, snacks and sweet treats.
Jodcast Live – Parsecs, Planets and Podcasts takes place on 19 November 2026. Tickets cost £10–£12. Booking is now open.
www.jodrellbank.net/events/jodcast-live/
Dark Sky Festival - Libanus
Cancelled
Unfortunately the Dark Sky Festival in November has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However the National Park team will endeavour to deliver a Dark Sky Festival again in February 2027 as usual.
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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
