WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE HAVERING ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Astronomy is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it’s easy to be put off by technical jargon, the high price of the equipment and the difficulty of knowing where to start. You don’t need to be a scientist, or have expensive equipment – all you need is an interest in looking up at the night sky and a wish to know more about it. Our society is for anyone intrigued by the night sky.

We aim to bring astronomy to the attention of our local community by holding meetings and observing events, and giving educational talks to youth organisations and schools. At our monthly meetings, we host talks given by visiting speakers and our own members, on a variety of astronomy-related topics. Our Young Astronomers Group holds monthly meetings for young people aged 8-16 who wish to find out more about the night sky.

You are very welcome to come along to one of our meetings before deciding to join. Whatever your current level of interest, you will be sure to find someone to chat with and broaden your knowledge. Please feel free to browse our website to discover who we are and what we do. You are welcome to get in touch to enquire about the society, or to ask general questions on astronomy.

Les Brand,

Acting Chair

Contact us on enquiries@havastro.co.uk

Next HAS club meetings -

Young Astronomers: Thursday 4 June; Adults: Wednesday 17 June

Further below -  Martin's Monthly Challenges

Wed 12 August - partial solar eclipse and Perseids viewing at Thames Chase

An afternoon and evening of solar observing, partial solar eclipse viewing and Perseids observing at Thames Chase. This will include a BBQ and a planetarium (for which tickets are available for purchase; the observing aspects are free of charge). We hope that members will come and help in the afternoon and attend in the evening as well. Eclipse glasses will be provided. If you would like to know more, please contact Les Brand at lesbrand@gmail.com. NB: Never look directly at the Sun, as you can seriously hurt your eyes, and even go blind. Proper eye protection, like eclipse glasses or a special solar filter, is the only safe option.

* JOIN US / MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS *

Links to Adult and Young Astronomer forms are available on the Join Us page.

* Concessionary rate of £30 for adults aged 30 and under as at 31 Dec 2026. *

Fees:  Adult - £45; age 30 and under - £30; online only - £25; Young Astronomers: £25

Young Astronomers

Our YA Group is for children, aged 8-16, interested in space and astronomy. We hold a wide range of talks and activities (see photo on the right), with opportunities for stargazing.

We visited the 'Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?' exhibition at the Natural History Museum on 11 October 2025.

 See our YA page for info and photos about our meetings and activities.

Outreach

We offer outreach activities to support local community clubs and organisations, such as schools, youth groups (including Guides, Brownies, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers) and other local community groups interested in finding out more about the wonders of the night sky. Please complete the enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly: Outreach request form

Further info on our Outreach page.