Loughton Astronomical Society Homepage

About us

Discover the wonders of the universe with the LAS - West Essex's community for astronomy enthusiasts and sky watchers of all levels. Our society is dedicated to exploring the night sky, sharing knowledge, and igniting a passion for the cosmos. We offer a welcoming space for both novice stargazers and experienced astronomers to connect and grow. Dive into our rich programme of events, including educational talks, observation nights, and special workshops designed to enhance your understanding of astronomy. Our extensive gallery of astrophotography showcases the beauty of space, capturing the imagination of all who visit. The LAS is more than just a society; it's a place where friendships are formed under the stars.
We invite you to join our regular meetings, or AstroKyds, our junior astronomers, to engage with captivating topics and observe the sky's splendour.

Contact us to get involved and find out more about your astronomical adventure with the LAS. The universe awaits.

What's coming up

Thursday night meetings are held in Scout Hall, Theydon Bois, starting at 8pm. Entrance fees: £3 for internal speaker, £4 for external speaker (*).
Click here for full Programme

2026

26/03/2026 Malcolm Zack and Jonathan Daniels
Spring Skies - A view of what can be seen in the night sky with binoculars and telescopes

02/04/2026* Professor Ian Crawford
The Fermi Paradox - Where are the Aliens?

09/04/2026* Dr Simon Ebo
Exoplanets and Alien Life

16/04/2026 Miscellany evening with LAS Members
Members short talks. Projects, processes, images , etc.

23/04/2026* Prof. Martin Hendry
Listening to Einstein's Universe: the Exciting Dawn of Gravitational Wave Astronomy.

30/04/2026* Dr Alfredo Carpineti
The Unexpected Cosmos: Unplanned Discoveries That Changed Astronomy

07/05/2026* Dr Matthew Bothwell
How Fast is the Universe Expanding?

08/05/2026 AstroKyds
AstroKyds is the junior astronomy group of the LAS. 6:30-8 pm at St Mary's Church Hall

14/05/2026* Dr Steve Barrett
Gaia

28/05/2026* Gary Auker
Humanity's return to the Moon - this time to stay

04/06/2026* Ben Evans
Remembering Challenger's Life and Lives

11/06/2026* Professor Susanne Schwenzer
13 Years and Counting: the Curiosity Mars Rover's journey though Gale Crater

12/06/2026 AstroKyds
AstroKyds is the junior astronomy group of the LAS. 6:30-8 pm at St Mary's Church Hall

18/06/2026 LAS Members leading Solar Observing
Celebrate the Summer Solstice - safe viewing of the sun in white light and Hydrogen alpha.
Titbits & Miscellany evening if cloudy.

25/06/2026 LAS Members leading Solar Observing
Another chance for safe viewing of the sun in white light and Hydrogen alpha.
Titbits & Miscellany evening if cloudy.

02/07/2026 Malcolm Zack and Jonathan Daniels
Summer Skies - A view of what can be seen in the night sky with binoculars and telescopes

09/07/2026 LAS Members and invited guests
BBQ at Cricket Club

10/07/2026 AstroKyds
AstroKyds is the junior astronomy group of the LAS. 6:30-8 pm at St Mary's Church Hall

12/07/2026 (Sunday) LAS Members at Theydon Bois Donkey Derby
Join LAS Members at the Theydon Bois Donkey Derby for safe viewing of the sun in white light and Hydrogen alpha.

16/07/2026* William Joyce
Astrobiology: The Search for Advanced Life in the Galaxy

23/07/2026* Dr Radmila Topalovic
Eyes on the Skies, from Earth to Space

25/07/2026 (Saturday) LAS Members at Theydon Bois Horticultural Society Show
Join LAS Members at the Theydon Bois Horticultural Society for safe viewing of the sun in white light and Hydrogen alpha.

30/07/2026* Andrew Lound
A Starry Night to Remember

01/08/2026 (Saturday) LAS Members at Toot Hill Show
Join LAS Members at the Toot Hill Show for safe viewing of the sun in white light and Hydrogen alpha.

A number of LAS members are skilled in capturing images of the night sky; sketching or astrophotography. They are always ready to share ideas and techniques. Here is a selection of some of their latest images.
Please go to our Gallery page for a full display.

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Attending a meeting

The LAS meets 8 - 10pm every Thursday evening. If you would like to join us, please complete an email from the Contact us page. If after a few visits you would like to become a Member, then our Secretary will be delighted to help.
Our programme covers a varied range of topics: scientists and astronomers presenting their latest research, cosmology, observing, the history of astronomy, equipment and software functionality, and much more. We always continue our discussions after the main talk in the bar of the local cricket club.
We use digital media such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Zoom to hear from astronomers across the world, give weather updates for observing, what is happening in the sky, or the latest developments in space flight and astronomy.

Everyone is welcome to join us on one of our public family Open Observing evenings, to look through Society telescopes with the help of an experienced astronomer. Bring your own telescope to gain some hints and tips to get the most out of your instrument. If cloudy there is always an alternative programme.

The LAS meets 8 - 10pm every Thursday evening. If you would like to join us for a Thursday evening, complete an email from the Contact us page. If after a few visits you would like to become a Member, then our Secretary will be delighted to help.
Our programme covers a varied range of topics: scientists and astronomers presenting their latest research, cosmology, observing, the history of astronomy, equipment and software functionality, and much more. We always continue our discussions after the main talk in the bar of the local cricket club (currently virtual).
We use digital media such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Zoom to hear from astronomers across the world, give weather updates for observing, what is happening in the sky, or the latest developments in space flight and astronomy.

Benefits of Membership

A varied programme of Thursday meetings and a library of past talks provides for all interests. Being part of an active group means experience is shared and help or support is always available.
We also have affiliated membership of the FAS, the BAA, the SHA and the SPA and their newsletters are distributed to members.
The Society owns a number of telescopes and mounts for use by members; a 16 inch Dobsonian plus a number of smaller telescopes including a specialised Solar Scope.
If you want to be with like-minded astronomers in a friendly environment, if you are looking for some observing or imaging tips, an appreciative audience for your astronomical photographs or just some company while observing then why not join us.

Membership is on a sliding scale, up to £30 per annum. Please email us on the Contact us page.

Autumn Equinox Sky Camp

A major event in the LAS calendar is the Autumn Equinox Sky Camp. This takes place every September or October (depending on the new moon) at Kelling Heath, a dark site in North Norfolk. The Saturday includes visiting lecturers, trade stands, tour of the telescopes as well as the usual observing all week. There are bars and restaurants if the weather is cloudy. For more information visit Equinox Sky Camp.

Other Events

As well as the Equinox Sky Camp, we also organise weekend observing trips, solstice meals and visits to astronomical sites. Orion over UoH Bayfordbury

Autumn Equinox Sky Camp

Other Events

As well as the Equinox Sky Camp, we also organise weekend observing trips, solstice meals and visits to astronomical sites. Orion over UoH Bayfordbury

AstroKyds

For our younger observers (6-14 years) we have a junior group that meets on the second Friday of each month.
We ask that a responsible adult or carer stays with the child.
Visit AstroKyds for full details or email us on the Contact us page for more information.

History of the Society

The Society was formed in 1968 from a telescope mirror making class at Loughton Hall in Debden. Since then it has grown into a thriving Society and is one of the few in the UK to hold weekly meetings.
The best way to see the night sky is from a dark site. Theydon Bois has been our venue for meeting and observing for many years. It retains its village charm but importantly, it is a reasonably dark sky.