West Yorkshire Astronomical Society

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The West Yorkshire Astronomical Society are a friendly and active group of astronomers based around their fabulous Rosse Observatory in Pontefract. The group hosts regular observing sessions to which beginners and younger astronomers are very welcome.
West Yorkshire Astronomical Society

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Regular meetings with West Yorkshire Astronomical Society

  • WYAS Young Astronomers Club

    The last Friday of the month from January 2026 to December 2026, except for December

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    Join the team from the West Yorkshire Astronomical Society at their Rosse Observatory in Pontefract for their Young Astronomers club — a fun, hands-on monthly (except for December) event designed to inspire the next generation of space explorers!

    This outreach programme is specially created for children aged 4 to 12, aiming to spark curiosity and a love of astronomy through engaging activities, interactive talks, and skywatching experiences.

    Each session focuses on a different theme, often linked to what’s happening in the night sky that month — whether it's a full Moon, a meteor shower, or a visible planet.

    And if the skies are clear, you and your child will have the chance to peer through our observatory telescope and explore the universe up close!

    Come along, learn something new, and enjoy a magical night under the stars.

    To book please email [email protected].
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    The third Friday of the month from January 2026 to December 2026
    The first Friday of the month from January 2026 to December 2026
    The second Friday of the month from January 2026 to December 2026

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    Enjoy an evening of stargazing with friendly astronomers from the West Yorkshire Astronomical Society at this one of their regular open evenings at their fantastic Rosse Observatory.

    Enjoy amazing views through their large 14" aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope. These events go ahead no matter the weather, with a presentation or an informal, friendly chat in the warm observatory room if cloudy.

    These sessions occur on the first three Friday's of each month, with no prior booking required. However, if you would like to visit the observatory more frequently, please consider becoming a Member of the Society.

Forthcoming events by West Yorkshire Astronomical Society

View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 1st May 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 8th May 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 15th May 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • WYAS Young Astronomers Club

    Friday 29th May 2026 from 19:30pm to 20:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 5th June 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 12th June 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 19th June 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • WYAS Young Astronomers Club

    Friday 26th June 2026 from 19:30pm to 20:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 3rd July 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory public open evening

    Friday 10th July 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ

    More info

Event locations used by West Yorkshire Astronomical Society

  • Pontefract Castle

    Castle Garth , Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH, Yorkshire and The Humber

    Private Venue

    More info
  • Rosse Observatory

    Carleton Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 3RJ

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info

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