Astronomy in Edinburgh
Come along to one of our meetings, hear interesting talks, find out about what’s in the sky this month and meet other astronomers.
We meet monthly, usually on the first or second Friday of the month at 7:30pm, and are always happy to see new faces at our meetings. See below for the next meeting date.
The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh (ASE) has been holding meetings in Edinburgh to inform members and the general public about astronomy since 1924.
Our new website is in its prototype phase so it will develop over the next few months. Keep coming back to see how it evolves.
Observing forecast for Edinburgh
A green block indicates a clear sky, orange partially clear, red cloudy. Blue blocks show cloud level – darker blue is clearer. Click on the chart for hourly detail and ISS passes.
Forecast provided by clearoutside.com
Follow our Facebook page and Twitter feed for more up-to-the-minute observing ideas, information and results.
Featured news
It’s Globular cluster season
The summer twilight is receding and the globular clusters are again well placed for viewing. Go outside and have a look at these beautiful objects.
Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner brightening
Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner is now brightening and expected to reach a peak magnitude of 7.1 on 05 Sep 2018. It should be easy to observe from Edinburgh.
More News
Albireo is not a true binary star
So it turns out that everyone's favourite double star, Albireo, is not a true binary system. The components are about 60 light years apart and simply an optical alignment.
Spectacular launch of Parker Solar Probe
The NASA Parker Solar Probe lifted off this morning to fly closer to the Sun than ever before, through its outer atmosphere known as the corona.
Scotland’s Sky in August 2018
You can now find the latest Scotland Sky Diary for August by Alan Pickup in the ASE Journal.
New website for ASE
As you can see we have a new website! It's just a starting point as the website will evolve over the next few months. We'll say more at the September meeting.
Perseid meteor shower August 2018
The Perseids coincide with a young Moon this year so conditions are very favourable. The shower reaches its peak on the night of August 12-13.
Lunar eclipse 27th July 2018
There will be a total eclipse of the Moon on Friday 27th July. The Moon will rise fully eclipsed as seen from Edinburgh at 21:21 BST.
Ask an Astronomer
Is there something you always wanted to know about our universe?
How to observe a planet? Take a photo of the stars? Which telescope to buy? Why is space black? …
Well here’s your chance: just ask your question in the form and we’ll try and get back to you with an answer. The answer may just be: “we have no idea” – but that’s the beauty of astronomy!