Welcome to MaccAstro

There are many different ways of enjoying astronomy and the night sky, and at Macclesfield Astronomical Society we try to cater for all of them.

Some stargazers want to be out at night observing with equipment, others want to know what’s going on in terms of space exploration and discovery, others want to see and hear more information about the spectacular sights in the sky, and many now want to try photographing the night sky for themselves.

You may want to know more about the sky’s stars and constellations, or maybe you are interested in the sun, moon, planets, and deep space star clusters and galaxies. You might want to find out more about equipment, or maybe how astronomy has developed through the ages, or are keen to keep up to date with the astounding science of how the universe works. Perhaps you simply find the heavens uplifting and inspiring, and feel mesmerised by the splendour and beauty of it all (well, let’s face it – we all do!).

Well, whatever your interest in astronomy, you will find kindred spirits within MaccAstro, and plenty of information, activity and events to expand your enjoyment and enthusiasm, whether you are a novice to astronomy or experienced in the subject, whether an active observer or an armchair enthusiast. You don’t need any equipment or level of knowledge, just bring along your interest, whether it is practical, thoughtful, scientific, or spiritual.

Our Events Each Month

• Workshop (Calvary Church Hall, Macclesfield) is held on the first Tuesday of every month.
• Social Evening (Blacksmiths Arms, Henbury or on-line) is held on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Lecture (Village Hall, Goostrey) is held on the third Tuesday of every month (except for January which is a special event).

Venue Details

We offer at least three events every month to our members at Macclesfield Astronomical Society, who are a sociable group of men, women and juniors in a well-mixed spectrum of novices and newcomers to veterans and even professionals. These include a lecture by a visiting expert, plus a session involving informal presentations, tutorials, and demonstrations on a range of astronomical topics, and also a general social get-together with astronomical banter and information. There are various additional highlights through the year as well.

We also hold local observing sessions when conditions are good, arrange field trips to dark sky locations during the year, deliver public presentations and observing events for Cheshire Rangers, and are fortunate to participate and assist in public events at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. Our very dedicated Outreach team also provide astronomy sessions to schools, youth activity groups, and other events.

You can participate in as much or as little as you want, it’s all yours to enjoy. So, if ever you’ve been tempted to take your interest in astronomy further then come along and visit us and hopefully what we do will appeal to you

(venue map)

The Shed is an occasional informal meeting which focusses on on a particular topic of interest, such as choosing a camera, photo processing software, imaging techniques etc. It’s a way that members can share their extensive knowledge with others.

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Monthly Workshop

Our Workshops are held on the first Tuesday of every month. This is where our members showcase their passion for astronomy in a variety of short presentations. We start this meeting with a session for those new to astronomy. The meetings are generally recorded and available in the members pages for viewing by those who can’t attend at the time.

Workshops cover a diverse range of topics aimed at all levels of astonomer from beginner to advanced. Recent topics include:

• Plate Solving - an astronomer's panacea
• Development of an observatory
• A Brief History of the Universe
• What there is to see in the constellation of Auriga
• Is Anyone There?
• New adventures in Narrowband
• Astronomy in Art

Venue: Calvary Church Hall (venue map)

Dark Sky Field Trips