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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.

3rd October

Thiago Silva

Planet of the Month
- Earth

Join National Geographic Explorer and University of Stirling Senior Lecturer Thiago Silva for a fascinating look at Amazonian ecosystems.
 

Discover how he uses drones and 3D scanning as a “digital ecologist” to study and protect one of the world’s most vital habitats.

31st October

Helena Cochrane

Astrophotography

Join us for an introduction to astrophotography, from one enthusiast’s journey into capturing the night sky to practical tips for beginners.

Discover how you can get started at an accessible level and explore the wonders above.

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10th October

Matjaz Vidmar

Sustainable Spaceport
- Paradox or Reality

Tonight we are delighted to welcome Matjaz Vidmar from Edinburgh University back to AAA. 
 

Spaceports are the final piece in Scotland’s satellite sector. But are they a carbon cost or a climate solution? This talk examines the paradox at the heart of space sustainability and industry growth.

17th October

October Week

No Meeting Tonight
 

There will be no meeting tonight as we take a short break for the October holiday week. ​​​​

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We will see you all back next week.

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24th October

Richard Shaw

Birth and Death of the Sun
 

Join AAA member, Richard Shaw, tonight for a talk all about our nearest star.


Explore the life story of our Sun, from its fiery beginnings to its eventual dramatic end. This talk will reveal how stars are born, live, and die—and what that means for Earth’s future.​​​​

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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