Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)

The astronomical society for Ipswich and east Suffolk. Our members range from beginners to seasoned astro-imagers: all are welcome! Our activities include:

  • Observing at Orwell Park Observatory, Newbourne Village Hall and other locations.
  • Public outreach activities.
  • Talks and lectures by members and external speakers.
  • Telescope "fettling".
  • Social events.

Considering joining?

If you're thinking of joining OASI, feel free to attend one of our Newbourne meetings to meet us and see first hand what we do. Please drop us an email first so that we know to expect you! Dates of our Newbourne meetings are listed under "What's on".

General email enquiries: info@oasi.org.uk.

Visit Orwell Park Observatory
Observatory tower
Orwell Park Observatory.

What's on for the next two weeks

Wed 14 Oct 202620:00

General observing.

Orwell Park Observatory.

Open to members

Mon 19 Oct 202620:00

Pre-recorded talk by Katharine Mulrey, The Detection of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos Through Their Radio Signals.

Zoom lecture. (Login details are provided by email to members.)

Open to members

Wed 21 Oct 202620:00

General observing.

Orwell Park Observatory.

Open to members

Mon 26 Oct 202619:30

Newbourne meeting. Beginners and new members welcome!

Newbourne Village Hall.

19:30 Doors open. 19:45 Sky Notes by Bill Barton, FRAS, followed by Astro News by Paul Whiting, FRAS.
If this will be your first visit to a Newbourne meeting, plus drop us a quick email first so that we know to expect you: newbourne@oasi.org.uk.

Open to members and visitors

Full events programme

Recent observations & activities

The Sun in Hα light.

Steve McElvanney's image of the solar disk on 11 October 2026 reveals a variety of features, including limb prominences, active regions, granulation, plages and filaments.

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More.

Sketches of the solar disk

Neil Morley's latest sketch of the Sun was made on 11 October 2026.

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More.

Event supporting Suffolk Archives' exhibition The Moon: Our Nearest Neighbour

Despite poor weather preventing observing, the event, on 18 September 2026, was a big success! Thirty-three people attended, and were able to examine telescopes close up, interact with members of OASI, view an exhibition of members' astrophotography and were treated to two interactive talks by Paul Whiting, FRAS.

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More.

Perseids 2026

A Perseid meteor streaks through the night sky just east of the Square of Pegasus. Mike Such, 12 August 2026.

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More.

Solar eclipse

Our main observing site for the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 was Sutton Heath. The event was well-attended with many members capturing images and videos of the eclipse.

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More.

Latitude Festival

OASI hosted solar observing for festival goers at Latitude 2026. As always, the OASI stand proved very popular. Photo by Mike Whybray, 24 July 2026.

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More.

News & resources

Archive

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Includes unique reseach by our members into the history of astronomy in East Anglia and beyond.

More.