Astronomy Groups in the National Park
Astronomy Clubs & Classes
- The Southern Area Group of Astronomical Societies (SAGAS) was established in 1973 as a forum for Astronomical groups and societies across the South of England to share ideas and discuss topics of mutual interest.
- Hampshire Astronomical Group offers regular classes and runs evening observing and imaging events in practical astronomy and astro-imaging, from their observatory near Clanfield.
- Farnham Astronomical Society
- The Worthing area is served by two astronomy groups – the Worthing Astronomers and the Worthing Astronomical Society. Both groups are active and meet monthly.
- BrightonAstro
- Lewes Astronomical Society
- Sussex Sidewalk Astronomers are a friendly group based in Sussex. They don’t have a website but are active on Facebook.
- Seven Sisters Astronomy Group grew out of the Seven Sisters Astronomical Society and are also more active on Facebook.
- Eastbourne Astronomical Society
- Wealden Astronomers meet at Herstmonceux Castle.
- There are also three planetariums and science centres in and near the Park. The Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium hosts shows and has two floors of interactive exhibits. The South Downs Planetarium in Chichester hosts a number of planetarium presentations open to the public each month, with live commentary by a professional astronomer. The Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux is an interactive science and discovery centre among the domes and telescopes of a world famous astronomical observatory.
Dark Skies Organisations
DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark Sky Association) was founded in 1988, and aims to protect the night skies for present and future generations.
The UK chapter of DarkSky International is DarkSky UK.
The UK Dark Sky Discovery partnership promotes Dark Sky Discovery Sites nominated by a network of local groups and associations as their top local spot to see the stars.
The Commission for Dark Skies, set up by members of the British Astronomical Association in 1989, is a network of volunteers and supporters working to promote the benefits of the right amount of well-directed lighting and only where needed.