Stargazing Swindon 

Where to enjoy the sky at night in Swindon

 

If you've been inspired by the BBC's fantastic series of Stargazing Live programmes with Dr Brian Cox and Dara O'Briain - back on TV from 18-20 March 2015 - then now's the time to start enjoying the sky at night here in Swindon.

 

The local area is seen as an ideal location for amateur astronomy, with the friendly folk at the Swindon Stargazers Group a strong mix of experienced members and complete beginners, details below.

 

Stargazing Live Events

In Swindon

 

To coincide with the BBC series, they are a number of stargazing events and activities throughout the UK.

 

Lydiard Park

Saturday 28 March 2015, 6.30-9pm

 

Join the Swindon Stargazers for an evening of astronomy at Lydiard Park. Look through the telescopes and see the stars up close, make your own red light and learn from the experts.

 
You will also have the opportunity to get up close with exciting space artefacts.

Tickets include a hot drink and slice of cake. 

 

> more info.
     

Swindon Stargazers 

 

 

The aim of the group is to host star gazing parties around Swindon in places such as Barbury Castle and Lydiard Park away from light pollution.

 

The club also organises monthly meetings at The Lawn Community Centre as well as special lecturer evenings and outings to view with other groups.

 

Beginners welcome

 

The Swindon Stargazers welcomes those who have no experience of astronomy but just want to explore and find out more about the wonders of planets, stars and meteors - much of which can be seen with a simple pair of binocluars.

 

> Swindon Stargazers Group - more details

 

Places in Swindon to buy binoculars and telescopes

 

If you think that getting in to astronomy involves buying plenty of expensive kit, converting the loft with a skylight and buying a telescope to rival Jodrill Bank, then think again.

 

As we've already said, just getting aquainted with the solar system can be done with a quite ordinary pair of binoculars, with no need for a telescope. Even better, of course, if you have tripod.

 

But as with most hobbies, it can be easy to get the bug! So here's the best places in Swindon who sell and can advise on binoculars and telescopes.

  

Great Western Cameras

Market Street

 

A specialist who really knows what they're talking about.

 

> Great Western Cameras - more details