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EnglishWhat is CU Astronomical Society (CUAS)?
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CUAS (Cambridge University Astronomical Society) is a student-and-university-member astronomy society founded in 1942. It runs talks, observation nights, telescope training, and social events throughout the academic year, and it is aimed at Cambridge students and university members who are interested in astronomy — whether or not they study it formally.
Who it's for
CUAS describes itself as bringing together "students and university members passionate about the cosmos." If you're at Cambridge and curious about astronomy, the society's activities are designed to be accessible: talks are open to everyone and free to attend, and observing sessions combine practical tips with actual telescope time.
What CUAS actually does
Talks
The society invites people working in astronomy to speak, covering topics from pure astrophysics to the history of astronomy and observing. Talks generally run about an hour including questions, and are followed by casual conversation over refreshments. Talks are free to attend for everyone.
Observing events
- ObsNights — held at the Institute of Astronomy (Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA), weather permitting. These combine practical astronomy tips with observing at the telescopes.
- ObsDemos — training sessions at the Institute of Astronomy that teach people to use the telescopes in their own time.
- Equipment — a range of visual observing and astrophotography equipment is available for member use.
Social events
The main social event is the Annual Dinner, alongside other gatherings through the year. For freshers, the society advertises a freshers' social (followed by an obsnight if weather permits) and other introductory events.
How to stay informed or join
| Channel | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Mailing list | Event notifications (subscribe via the society's Sympa list) |
| Upcoming events, member astrophotography, society news | |
| WhatsApp groupchat | Stargazing chat, sharing what you've spotted, tips from the community |
| Membership | Formal join-as-member route listed on the site |
The site also links to pages on the committee, constitution, history, Neptune magazine, observing guides, and an observing portal, so you can go deeper depending on what you want.
Practical things to know before you turn up
- Weather decides observing. ObsNights are explicitly "weather permitting," so check updates before travelling to the Institute of Astronomy.
- Location for observing is fixed: Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA.
- Talks need no membership. They're free for everyone, so they're the lowest-commitment way to try the society.
- Equipment access is a member benefit. If astrophotography or telescope use is your main interest, membership is the relevant step rather than just attending talks.
If you're a Cambridge student or university member wanting regular astronomy talks, hands-on telescope time, and a social community around observing, CUAS is the society to follow — start with the mailing list so you don't miss weather-dependent events.