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 our junior AstroKyds section, 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

18/01/2026 LAS Members leading family Public Observing 18:30 - 20:30
Join LAS members in this weekend event looking at the night sky through binoculars and telescopes.
Scope Doctor: bring your scope to get the best out of it.
Alternative programme if cloudy.

22/01/2026* Professor Colin Steele
Astronomy in Flatland

29/01/2026 Richard Mays
Imaging Nebulae

05/02/2026 LAS Members leading Public Observing
Join LAS members looking at the night sky through binoculars and telescopes.
Scope Doctor: bring your scope to get the best out of it.
Alternative programme if cloudy.

12/02/2026 LAS Members leading Public Observing
Join LAS members looking at the night sky through binoculars and telescopes.
Scope Doctor: bring your scope to get the best out of it.
Alternative programme if cloudy.

13/02/2026 AstroKyds Junior Section
AstroKyds is the Junior section of the LAS. 6:30pm at St Mary's Church Hall

19/02/2026* Jerry Stone
Is Pluto a Planet?

22/02/2026 LAS Members leading family Public Observing 18:30 - 20:30
Join LAS members in this weekend event looking at the night sky through binoculars and telescopes.
Scope Doctor: bring your scope to get the best out of it.
Alternative programme if cloudy.

05/03/2026 LAS registered members only
58th Annual General Meeting

08/03/2026 LAS Members leading family Public Observing 18:30 - 20:30
Join LAS members in this weekend event looking at the night sky through binoculars and telescopes.
Scope Doctor: bring your scope to get the best out of it.
Alternative programme if cloudy.

12/03/2026* John Davies
Photometry

13/03/2026 AstroKyds Junior Section
AstroKyds is the Junior section of the LAS. 6:30pm at St Mary's Church Hall

19/03/2026 LAS Members leading Public Observing
Join LAS members looking at the night sky through binoculars and telescopes.
Scope Doctor: bring your scope to get the best out of it.
Alternative programme if cloudy.

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* Prof. Ian Crawford
The Fermi Paradox - Where are the Aliens?

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

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

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 section 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.