What is Breckland Astronomical Society?

Updated

Breckland Astronomical Society is a friendly astronomy club based in Great Ellingham, Norfolk. It meets regularly at the Recreation Centre and runs its own observatory, equipped with a computer-controlled 20-inch reflecting telescope, at the corner of the recreation ground. The club is open to everyone, whether you are completely new to astronomy or have years of experience.

Where it is and what it has

  • Base: Great Ellingham, Norfolk, with meetings at the Recreation Centre on Watton Rd.
  • Observatory: Located at the corner of the recreation ground, on 5 Watton Rd, Great Ellingham, Attleborough NR17 1HZ.
  • Equipment: A computer-controlled 20-inch reflecting telescope.
  • Status: The observatory is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site.

What the club runs

Monthly Meetings

Meetings are open to all — members and non-members, regardless of experience or knowledge. There is no need to book; you just turn up.

  • When: The second Friday of every month.
  • Where: Great Ellingham Recreation Centre.
  • Timing: Doors open at 7:15 pm, sessions start at 7:30 pm.
  • Cost: £3.00 entrance fee, free for under-18s.
  • Format: Usually features a speaker. For example, a scheduled talk was "Women In Astronomy Part 2" with Mary McIntyre FRAS, held in the hall with the speaker joining via Zoom.

Public Observing Nights

Free public observing nights are held at the Observatory on the last Friday of the month, when it is dark enough. This usually excludes May, June and July.

  • Cost: Free to all, though donations are welcomed.
  • Format: No schedule — arrive when you wish and leave when you are tired. You are not expected to stay for the whole event.
  • Example: A public observing night was scheduled for Friday 25 September, 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Newsletter

The club publishes a newsletter called Extra Terrestrial.

Images

The site features a "Pick of the Images" section where you can see more of the club's astrophotography.

Staying up to date

The club advises checking its App or Online Calendar so you don't miss upcoming events. An app install is offered for quick access to events and membership.

Who it is for

If you are in or near Norfolk and want to explore the night sky — as a complete beginner or an experienced astronomer — the society offers a low-commitment way in: no booking for monthly meetings, a small entrance fee, and free public observing nights where you can come and go as you please.