Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)

The astronomical society for Ipswich and east Suffolk. Our members range from beginners to seasoned astro-imagers: all are welcome! Our activities include:

  • Observing at Orwell Park Observatory, Newbourne Village Hall and other locations.
  • Public outreach activities.
  • Talks and lectures by members and external speakers.
  • Telescope "fettling".
  • Social events.

Considering joining?

If you're thinking of joining OASI, feel free to attend one of our Newbourne meetings to meet us and see first hand what we do. Please drop us an email first so that we know to expect you! Dates of our Newbourne meetings are listed under "What's on".

General email enquiries: info@oasi.org.uk.

Visit Orwell Park Observatory
Observatory tower
Orwell Park Observatory.

What's on for the next two weeks

Wed 14 Oct 202620:00

General observing.

Orwell Park Observatory.

Open to members

Mon 19 Oct 202620:00

Pre-recorded talk by Katharine Mulrey, The Detection of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos Through Their Radio Signals.

Zoom lecture. (Login details are provided by email to members.)

Open to members

Wed 21 Oct 202620:00

General observing.

Orwell Park Observatory.

Open to members

Full events programme

Recent observations & activities

Sketches of the solar disk

Neil Morley's latest sketch of the Sun was made on 11 October 2026.

20261011_Sun_sketches.jpg
More.

Event supporting Suffolk Archives' exhibition The Moon: Our Nearest Neighbour

Despite poor weather preventing observing, the event was a big success! Thirty-three people attended, and were able to examine telescopes close up, interact with members of OASI, view an exhibition of members' astrophotography and were treated to two interactive talks by Paul Whiting, FRAS.

20260918_195005_Newbourne_talk_JMA.jpg
More.

NGC7835, the Bubble Nebula

A collaboration of four observers, led by Steve McElvanney, obtained 8.41 hours of imaging of NGC7635 over the period 04-08 September 2026.

20260908_NGC7635_SM.jpg
More.

Perseids 2026

A Perseid meteor streaks through the night sky just east of the Square of Pegasus. Mike Such, 12 August 2026.

20260812_0100_Perseid_MS_5.jpg
More.

Solar eclipse

Our main observing site for the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 was Sutton Heath. The event was well-attended with many members capturing images and videos of the eclipse.

20260812_Sutton_Heath_MPC_1.jpg
More.

Latitude Festival

OASI hosted solar observing for festival goers at Latitude 2026. As always, the OASI stand proved very popular. Photo by Mike Whybray, 24 July 2026.

20260724_Latitude_MW.jpg
More.

News & resources

Archive

Bust.jpg

Includes unique reseach by our members into the history of astronomy in East Anglia and beyond.

More.