About the Lewes Astronomical Society
Astronomy has been part of Lewes, the county town of East Sussex, for more than 50 years. For many years we remained a small group called the Lewes Astronomers, but we relaunched in 2022 as the Lewes Astronomical Society.
Today we are a friendly, inclusive community of well over 100 people who share a curiosity about the Universe. Our members range from complete beginners to experienced amateur and professional astronomers.
We organise monthly talks, stargazing events, family activities and outreach throughout the year. Our aim is to promote interest and education in astronomy and related sciences for people living in Lewes and the surrounding area.
Join Us
Our membership season runs for 12 months from 1st September each year. Membership includes admission to our public talks, which are usually presented by guest speakers. These meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday of each month (except July and August).
We also arrange extra events throughout the year, such as stargazing evenings. Our events are a great way to meet amateurs and professionals in the field of astronomy and make new friends.
See our membership page for more details.
Find Us
Our monthly public meetings are held in the Assembly Hall at the newly-renovated Lewes Subud Centre, East Sussex BN7 2DS (formerly Lewes New School). Entrance is in Talbot Terrace. Municipal car parks are free after 5pm. The Brook Street car park is just a few minutes easy walk from the venue.
Latitude 50.8765N Longitude 0.00835E /// tripled.collide.flattens
Next Event
Stars & Stoolball; A Short History of Herstmonceux Observatory.
Ian Whiteley
Subud Centre, Lewes BN7 2DS
7th October 2026 at 7:30pm
Herstmonceux has played a remarkable role in the history of British astronomy. From the construction of the Royal Greenwich Observatory's new home in Sussex in the 1950s, through decades of pioneering astronomical research, to its transformation into the Observatory Science Centre and Museum, the site has witnessed some fascinating chapters in the story of astronomy.
Ian will take us on a short journey through the history of the Observatory, exploring why the Royal Greenwich Observatory moved from Greenwich to Herstmonceux, and some of the important astronomical work carried out there. We'll discover what life was like for the astronomers and staff who worked at the site and hear about the people, discoveries and events that helped establish Herstmonceux as an important centre for British astronomy.
The talk will also look at the Observatory's later history, including the move of the Royal Greenwich Observatory to Cambridge and the eventual creation of the Science Centre, which today allows visitors to explore many of the original buildings and instruments.
Ian is generously donating his speaker's fee to the Science Centre, helping to support the preservation of this unique piece of Britain's astronomical heritage.
Never been to the LAS before? Come along!
Everyone is welcome. You don't need to be a member, and you don't need to know anything about astronomy.
Visitors £4 - Under 18s free when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Contact Us
For general enquiries about our society, please send an email to secretary@lewesas.org.uk. Alternatively, for more specific enquiries, you are welcome to contact any of our team members shown on our committee page.