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 02 Sep 202620:00

General observing.

Orwell Park Observatory.

Open to members

Thu 03 Sep 202611:00

Presentation by Bill Barton, FRAS: The Astronomy of an Edwardian Lady.

The Hold, Fore Street, Ipswich

A presentation about the Suffolk amateur astronomer Alice Grace Cook (1877-1958), featuring her discoveries and what led to her becoming one of the first female Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Booking via Suffolk Archives. The talk is in association with Suffolk Archives' summer 2026 exhibition The Moon: Our Nearest Neighbour. Details.

Open to all

Sun 06 Sep 202620:00

Committee meeting.

Via Zoom.

All members are invited to attend.

Open to members

Wed 09 Sep 202620:00

General observing.

Orwell Park Observatory.

Open to members

Mon 14 Sep 202619:30

Newbourne meeting. Beginners and new members welcome!

Newbourne Village Hall.

19:30 Doors open.

Open to members and visitors

Full events programme

Recent observations & activities

Nova Tau 2026

Spectrum of Nova Tau 2026 and field stars. Obtained using an objective prism. Mike Harlow, 16 August 2026.

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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.

Comet 220P/McNaught

The comet experienced an outburst on 05 August 2026 when its brightness increased by a factor of approximately 600. Nigel Evans, 13 August 2026.

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More.

Solar eclipse

Our main observing site for the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 was Sutton Heath.

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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.

The Sun

Images of the Sun in white light captured with a Seestar S50 "smart" telescope. LHS: standard Seestar solar filter; RHS: Baader solar filter, which provides a much sharper image. Andy Gibbs. 03 August 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 Suffolk and more widely.

More.