Loughton Astronomical Society

Loughton Astronomical Society The Loughton Astronomical Society was founded in 1968. Started by people wanting to build their own telescopes.

Meeting every Thursday at 20:00 in Theydon Bois Scout hut; all are welcome. It is £4 for an external speaker & £3 for internal speaker. Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/loughtonastrosociety/

Another chance to observe the Sun this Thursday with LAS.Weather permitting, we’ll be safely observing our nearest star ...
22/06/2026

Another chance to observe the Sun this Thursday with LAS.

Weather permitting, we’ll be safely observing our nearest star in both white light and hydrogen-alpha, revealing sunspots, prominences and solar activity in remarkable detail.

If the weather has other ideas, we’ll switch to a Titbits & Miscellany evening instead. Astronomy has many wonders. Reliable British summer skies are not usually among them.

Join us at Theydon Bois Scout Hall from 8pm for an evening of solar observing, discussion and whatever surprises the atmosphere decides to provide.

Visitors are always welcome.



(For legal reasons, the Sun may appear slightly smaller than depicted.) ☀️

This Thursday we celebrate the Summer Solstice with an evening of solar observing led by LAS members.If the weather coop...
17/06/2026

This Thursday we celebrate the Summer Solstice with an evening of solar observing led by LAS members.

If the weather cooperates, we’ll be safely observing the Sun in both white light and hydrogen-alpha, revealing sunspots, prominences and other fascinating solar features.

If it’s cloudy, we’ll switch to a Titbits & Miscellany evening indoors.

📅 Tomorrow
🕗 8pm
📍 Theydon Bois Scout Hall

Visitors welcome.

After last week’s close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, a crescent moon will appear close to Venus on the evening of W...
15/06/2026

After last week’s close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, a crescent moon will appear close to Venus on the evening of Wednesday 17 June, with both being close the Beehive star cluster (M44).

This should look a lovely sight in binoculars or small telescope, and also be a good target for photography.

If you have a clear, low horizon, you might also be able to spot Jupiter and Mercury. Along with Venus, they will appear to be on the “Ecliptic”, an imaginary line tracing the orbital plane of the Earth around the Sun, and along which the Sun and planets appear to follow.

Look towards the north west to spot this alignment.

Please do post any pictures you take of this conjunction in the comments, we’d love to see them!





Even though the hours of darkness are limited at this time of year, there are still many great targets for astronomers a...
13/06/2026

Even though the hours of darkness are limited at this time of year, there are still many great targets for astronomers and astrophotographers, as the summer Milky Way region has so many varied objects to seek out.

Members Jonathan and Eremis recently imaged a selection of objects that can be found in the summer skies...

- The 'Coat hanger' asterism (NGC6802), in the constellation Vulpecula
- Wild Duck Cluster (M11) in Scutum
- Eagle Nebula (M16), in Serpens




There were clear skies on Tuesday for the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, and LAS members took full advantage t...
12/06/2026

There were clear skies on Tuesday for the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, and LAS members took full advantage to capture the event.

Here's a selection of pictures taken by members Tim, Harish, Malcolm and Nick.




This Friday, bring your young astronomers to Astrokyds! Starting at 6:30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, it’s a fun and educ...
10/06/2026

This Friday, bring your young astronomers to Astrokyds! Starting at 6:30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, it’s a fun and educational evening designed for all ages.

Let’s spark curiosity about the universe together! 🌟

This Thursday at the LAS.A couple of short talks, followed by some observing if the weather cooperates.Mercury, Venus an...
08/06/2026

This Thursday at the LAS.

A couple of short talks, followed by some observing if the weather cooperates.

Mercury, Venus and Jupiter are currently sharing the evening sky, giving us an opportunity to take a look after the meeting.

📅 Thursday 11 June
📍 Theydon Bois Scout Hall
🕗 8pm

Visitors welcome.

On Tuesday 9 June, Venus and Jupiter will be shining brightly very close together in the West/North-West sky, making for...
06/06/2026

On Tuesday 9 June, Venus and Jupiter will be shining brightly very close together in the West/North-West sky, making for a great view visually or an ideal photo opportunity.
If you have a very low horizon, you might also be able to spot elusive Mercury in the twilight, before it sets.

Let us know in the comments if you spot this conjunction, and we'd love to see any photos of the pairing if you have your camera handy!






An evening of short talks, projects, images and astronomy stories from LAS members.From astrophotography and observing t...
18/05/2026

An evening of short talks, projects, images and astronomy stories from LAS members.

From astrophotography and observing to practical projects and unexpected discoveries, Miscellany Evening is a chance to explore the wide range of interests and experiences across the Society.

Visitors are welcome to attend.

📍 Theydon Bois Scout Hall
🕗 Thursday 21 May 2026 • 8pm

Spring and early summer is a great time to observe (and image!) globular clusters, which are some of the oldest objects ...
15/05/2026

Spring and early summer is a great time to observe (and image!) globular clusters, which are some of the oldest objects in the universe.

Jonathan recently took this picture of M5 (the 'Rose Cluster') which can be found in the constellation Serpens Caput. M5 is estimated to be around 12 billion years old, and contains over 100,000 stars.

Using binoculars or a telescope, you can locate M5 by imagining it's one of the points of a triangle formed with the bright stars Arcturus and Spica.






Address

The Scout Hall Theydon Bois
Epping
CM167EJ

Opening Hours

8pm - 10pm

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