BRIDGEND ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Bridgend Astronomical Society members celebrate the festive season

17 December 2025. On Wednesday 17th December 2025, Members of Bridgend Astronomical Society gathered to celebrate another successful year with a special Christmas meeting featuring a talk by Society Education Officer Martin Griffiths, a review of activities by Stephen Webber and a fantastic prize draw.

The event was attended by more than thirty members who learned about the new Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile and also reviewed the wide spectrum of society activities from public stargazing events including a lunar eclipse a partial solar eclipse and other events that attracted hundreds of visitors during the year.

Bridgend Astronomical Society regularly hosts public observing nights, talks, and outreach events across the region. For more information about upcoming activities, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Bridgend Astronomical Society braves weather for glimpse of Blood Moon

07 September 2025. Members of the Bridgend Astronomical Society (BAS) came together in Penarth, South Wales, hoping for a break in the weather to observe the celestial spectacle of a rising blood moon formally known as a lunar eclipse.

Using an impressive array of equipment including telescopes, smart scopes, binoculars and cameras, members were eventually rewarded with a glimpse of the moon rising from the earth’s shadow, casting a reddish tinge on the otherwise full moon.

The Society’s Observation Officer, Jason Mead said: “We are an active group and observation sessions such as today’s are always popular with our members as well as the general public who are keen to find out about what is happening in our skies from our knowledgable, passionate and helpful team.”

Bridgend Astronomical Society Brings the Sun Closer at Maesteg Welfare Park

August 2025. Over the weekend of 9th and 10th August, Bridgend Astronomical Society joined the centenary celebrations at the Maesteg Welfare Park, offering visitors a rare opportunity to safely observe the Sun in remarkable detail.

Society members set up an impressive range of astronomical telescopes and smart scopes, each equipped with specialised solar filters. These instruments allowed visitors to safely observe solar activity including sunspots, prominences (solar flares), and other fascinating features of our nearest star.

Throughout the event, members were on hand to explain the science behind solar activity, answer astronomy questions, and share their passion for exploring the universe. For many visitors, it was their first time seeing the Sun’s surface in such clarity, a highlight that perfectly complemented the community spirit of the centenary celebrations.

The overall experience was enhanced by a talk presented by BAS’ Education Officer, Martin Griffiths.

“We love taking astronomy out into the community,” said society Chair Stephen Radford. “Events like this are a wonderful way to inspire people of all ages to look up and explore the wonders above us.”

Bridgend Astronomical Society regularly hosts public observing nights, talks, and outreach events across the region. For more information about upcoming activities, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Bridgend Astronomical Society Hosts Stargazing Evening for the Perseid Meteor Shower

August 2025. On Tuesday 12th August, Members of Bridgend Astronomical Society gathered at Parc Slip Nature Reserve for a special stargazing evening to witness one of the year’s most anticipated celestial events, the Perseid Meteor Shower.

Under slightly challenging conditions, attendees watched, with the aid of cameras, telescopes, smart devices and binoculars as bright meteors streaked across the night sky, many leaving glowing trails in their wake.

The Perseids, caused by Earth passing through the debris trail of Comet Swift–Tuttle, are known for producing frequent and bright meteors during their peak.

Bridgend Astronomical Society Vice Chair, Jason Mead said: “The Perseids never fail to inspire a sense of wonder about our place in the universe.”

Bridgend Astronomical Society regularly hosts public observing nights, talks, and outreach events across the region. For more information about upcoming activities, visit our website or follow us on social media.

SUN SPOTTING AT REST BAY

July 2025. Members of Bridgend Astronomical Society made the most of the sunshine by holding a public event at Porthcawl’s Rest Bay where dozens of visitors were welcomed to watch and observe spectacular images of our closest star.

Direct observation of the sun requires specialised equipment and safety precautions. Society members brought along a wide range of equipment and were on hand to provide friendly and accessible information about solar activity.

Equipment on hand included the latest technologies in space exploration including ZWO SeeStar devices that allow live observation using phones and tablets. Visitors were able to identify sunspots and even large, looping features known as prominences that extend hundreds of thousands of miles from the Sun’s surface.

Visitors to the society’s display were wowed by the experience that was “out of this world”.

EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE WITH BRIDGEND ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

June 2025. Bridgend Astronomical Society (BAS) is passionate about inspiring the local community to take part in exploring the universe through an active programme of public engagement and outreach activities.

Education and outreach is at the very heart of BAS which also boasts having a highly active dedicated education officer.

From open events in public spaces to classroom session, BAS members are on a mission to make the night sky accessible, exciting, and educational for everyone in the Bridgend area and beyond.

In the last year, the Society has hosted a number of public observation events at a variety of locations from the seaside to National parks, with sessions attracting hundreds of curious members of the public eager to understand the mysterious of the universe.

In addition to public events, the society has engaged with a number of schools across the region, offering talks, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops engaging with learners of all ages.

Observation nights at popular locations and dark sky sites invite people of all ages to experience the wonders of the universe through a wide range of equipment. These sessions often coincide with celestial events such as solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, or planetary alignments, providing unique and memorable learning experiences.

Alongside traditional optical telescopes, the growing number of ZWO Seestar owners amongst our membership has added an exciting new dimension in opening astronomy to newcomers. It is so rewarding to see the looks of amazement on people’s faces as the magic of the universe reveals itself on phones and tablets. Amongst the many questions about astronomical features, the Seestar has become a key focus for curious would-be stargazers.

As interest space exploration continues to grow, BAS is uniquely positioned as a key local partner in promoting astronomy and STEM engagement with plans to expand its educational, outreach and public engagement programmes. The sky is the limit ….. or is it?

For more information about BAS, visit www.bridgendastro.org.uk or https://www.facebook.com/groups/114433805560367/