About Us
We're a friendly astronomy group based in Lewes, the county town of East Sussex. Whether you're passionate or just curious about astronomy, an expert or complete novice, everyone is welcome. Our activities are designed to suit all levels of interest, knowledge, and experience within the field of astronomy.
Our heritage dates back five decades as a small group known as the Lewes Astronomers. Astronomy has made significant strides during that time, yet it remains one of the few scientific disciplines in which amateurs can play a useful role.
Relaunched in 2022 as the Lewes Astronomical Society, we now have over a hundred members and growing. However, our ethos remains simple: to promote all aspects of astronomy in a friendly and inclusive environment for people living in and around the Lewes area.
Join Us
Our membership season runs for 12 months from 1st September each year. Membership includes free admission to our public talks which are usually presented by a guest speaker. These meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Grade II listed town hall in Lewes.
We also arrange other 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.
Join us now to enjoy full membership until 31st August 2025. See our membership page for more details.
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Next Public Meeting
Exploring the End of the Dark Ages
Prof Stephen Wilkins
Town Hall, Lewes BN7 2QS
8th January 2025 at 7:00pm
In our current understanding, our Universe emerged from an incredibly hot, dense state roughly 14 billion years ago. While initially incredibly hot and full of light, as the Universe expanded it cooled, eventually becoming dark, entering a period known as the cosmological dark ages. During this period dark matter and gas, attracted by the force of gravity, developed into structures, eventually leading to the formation of the first stars and galaxies, lighting up the Universe. This earliest period of galaxy formation is now accessible thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). Webb not only allows us to identify examples of early galaxies but learn about their detailed physical properties. Webb has already thrown up surprising results, including many more super-massive black holes in the early Universe than expected. Everyone welcome. Non-members £4.
Contact Us
For general enquiries about our society, please send an email to secretary@lewesas.org.uk. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact any of the team members shown on our committee page.
Find Us
Our public meetings are normally held in the Lecture Room on the first floor of Lewes Town Hall, East Sussex BN7 2QS. Entrance is in Fisher Street. Wheelchair access is available. Municipal car parks are free after 5pm, the nearest are in East Street, West Street and North Street.
Latitude 50.8734N Longitude 0.0104E /// gravy.ecologist.kneeled