top of page

Welcome to Airdrie Astronomical Association
& Airdrie Observatory

Untitled design (4).png

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.
 ​

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.

​

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.

Christmas Quiz_edited_edited_edited.jpg

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
471148310_10231099668429102_1118474566318648131_n.jpg
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.

30th October

The Airdrie Telescopes
 

William Tennant
 

Join our Observatory Curator William Tennant as he introduces our new telescopes and compares them with the historic Airdrie telescope that served the Observatory for many years before its retirement this summer.

Discover how the instruments have evolved, and what the new telescopes will bring to our observing.

6th November

Telescopes
John Braithwaite Memorial Talk

Tony Kapelko
 

Join AAA member Tony Kapelko for our annual John Braithwaite Memorial Talk, as he explores the fascinating world of telescopes.

 

Discover more about the instruments that help us explore the universe and bring the wonders of the night sky a little closer.

​

​

​

13th November

The Sun
Photos from Airdrie
 

Richard Shaw
 

Join AAA member Richard Shaw for a closer look at our nearest star.

 

Through photographs taken right here in Airdrie, discover the fascinating features of the Sun and enjoy a different perspective on the star at the centre of our Solar System.

​​

​

​

​

20th November

Eclipses

Robert Law
 

Join Robert Law from Dundee Observatory for a fascinating look at solar eclipses.

 

Discover what causes these spectacular events, why they capture our imagination and 

enjoy stories and images from Robert's own adventures under the shadow of the moon.

​

 

27th November

NEW Data on the Moon

Simon Cuthbert
 

Our nearest celestial neighbour still has plenty of secrets to reveal!

 

Join guest speaker Simon Cuthbert as he explores new data on the Moon, sharing fresh insights into its fascinating features and what we're continuing to learn about our lunar companion.

​

​

​

Winter Observing Season 26-27

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we cannot start the open evenings as planned in November.
 

We hope to welcome visitors back before Christmas and will share an update as soon as we have a confirmed start date.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Click below to visit our Observing page for more information about visiting Airdrie Observatory.

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.

bottom of page