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Welcome to Airdrie Astronomical Association
& Airdrie Observatory

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Airdrie Astronomical Association

Airdrie Astronomical Association was founded in 2009 and is proud to be part of a long history of observing and community education in Airdrie dating back to 1896.

 

Join us on Friday nights (September to May) for weekly meetings where you can enjoy presentations by speakers on a wide range of subjects including science, technology, astronomy, spaceflight, astrophotography and much more. 

 

Plan your visit to the historic Airdrie Observatory, view the night sky through a real Victorian telescope and learn more about astronomy from our knowledgeable team of curators and observatory assistants.
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About Us
 

Airdrie Astronomical Association (AAA) was formed on 1st May 2009 by local space enthusiasts and we are proud to be the curators of the historic Airdrie Observatory. We hold weekly meetings between September and May that are open to everyone who has an interest in or wants to learn more about science, technology and our incredible universe. 
 

We invite you to join us at one of our regular Friday meetings or come along to one of our events in the observatory.  There is always something happening in our unique Observatory - from school visits, telescope tutorials and guest speakers, to open evenings, kids activities and special events.

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Visitors are always welcome to come along on a Friday night to meet us and enjoy listening to one of our excellent speakers. For even more benefits why not find out about becoming a member. Click the button below for more information.

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Friday Night
Meetings

Our Friday night meetings are a great opportunity to meet like minded people with an interest in astronomy and spaceflight.
 
Enjoy the weekly space news and a range of guest speakers who are experts in their subjects. We also have video nights and offer the opportunity for members to give presentations on subjects that interest them. New members are always very welcome so come along and join in the fun. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult over 18.
 
We meet at New Wellwynd Parish Church, Wellwynd, Airdrie ML6 0AG.

FRIDAY EVENING AGENDA: 
7:30 - 8:00pm - Space News 
8:00pm - 8:30pm - Tea Break
8:30pm - 9:30pm - Main Talk
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Airdrie Observatory is a fully-functioning and unique facility, and AAA are delighted to manage the facility on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council.  

It is a great place to visit for all types of groups, societies and clubs and we use it throughout the year.

Our dedicated Curators can provide advice and hints and tips on all manner of space-related questions. Whether you are a complete beginner or have an existing interest in astronomy, a visit to the Observatory can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.

Observing
the Night Sky

What's on

Visitors are always welcome to join us at our Friday night meetings. No prior knowledge needed - Just bring your curiosity.

See what speakers we have coming up below.

9th January 

Brian Eggo

The Truth is Nowt There!
 

Are UFOs really visitors from other worlds, or is there something more down-to-Earth going on?

 

Join Brian Eggo from Glasgow Skeptics for a light-hearted tour of famous sightings and abductions, using aliens as a fun way to explore critical thinking and scientific skepticism.
 

16th January

Marc Charron

Astrophotography
 

Join Marc Charron, Chairman of the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, for a talk on astrophotography.

 

A long-time astronomy enthusiast and keen astrophotographer, Marc will share insights from his experience capturing the night sky and working to protect Scotland’s dark skies.
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23rd January

Brian Anderton

Ancient Devices Used to Predict Celestial Movements

Join AAA member, Brian Anderton as he explores the ancient tools used to track the movements of the night sky.

 

From carvings in stone and wood to henges and intricate metal devices, discover how past cultures read the heavens.
 

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30th January

Richard Shaw

Core Collapse Supernovas

There are several types of supernova but the most spectacular is brought about by the collapsing core of a massive star at the end of it's life.
From the hottest object in the Galaxy to mysterious, wispy particles that rarely interact with their surroundings, come and find out about the breathtakingly fast sequence of events that lead up to a Core Collapse Supernova. 

Observing Season 25-26

​The dark nights mean observing season has officially begun!
Click below to visit our Observing page for all the details — when you can visit, what you might see, and how to make the most of your night under the stars (weather permitting).
 

Becoming a member

Becoming a member is easy, simply pick up a membership form at one of our weekly meetings.


Benefits of becoming a member include

  • borrowing books and equipment

  • exclusive access to outings not advertised on the website or on Facebook

  • opportunity to participate in observing the night sky

  • access to Airdrie observatory outside library opening hours

   and much more!

 

Fees are as follows:

Full Member (Waged / Working) : £15 per annum

Full Member (Unwaged / retired) : £10 per annum

Junior Members (Under 18) : £5 per annum

Family Membership : £25 per annum (Up to 2 Adults and all children under the age of 18)

 

We ask for a weekly donation towards the room hire of £1.00 from members, £2.00 for visitors, children under 18 are free.

We supply tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits for the tea break.

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