The society hosts monthly public lectures presented by industry or academic experts in the Whittle Theatre at the Cody Technology Park. There is a small charge for non-members to attend these public lectures.
We also host smaller, more informal presentations for members at the Observatory as part of our basic astronomy sessions and our CARS (Cosmology, Astronomy & Rocket Science) programme.
All of the meetings are free to members.
Important note - for those members who do not have a site pass:
It is now essential that you pre book 48hrs ahead for all events due to the change in site passes and bring a form of ID when you attend (photo driving license or passport) without a booking you will unfortunately not be able to attend.
Forthcoming Lectures and Events:
Tuesday 16th June 2026
7:30pm - The Observatory
CARS #35 - Cosmology, Astronomy & Rocket Science
CARS are informal gatherings to watch videos related to cosmology, astronomy, rocket science and other topics of mutual interest, and to chat about them.
As ever space is limited please book your seat as soon as practical.
Wednesday 1st July 2026
7:30pm Whittle Theatre
CODY AGM - with some short talks by club members
The yearly CODY AGM, please come along and support your club.
As AGM’s are often viewed as rather “dry” and have lower attendance than usual, this year we are trialling having a few short talks by CODY members to show their particular area of interests.
Due to changes mentioned above this will now need pre-booking by non-pass holders.
Thursday 2nd July 2026
7:30pm - The Observatory
Club Night
Our regular, first Thursday in the month, evening session to meet up, chat, discuss astronomy and any other areas of interest. You can bring in your equipment and compare the size of the telescopes and potentially maybe even observe objects in the night sky - weather permitting of course.
It’s a great opportunity to meet and get to know new members of the society and also to help each other out with the technical or equipment issues we’ve all encountered.
Due to changes in passes as mentioned above this will now need pre-booking.
Previous Lectures and Events:
Thursday 4th June 2026
7:30pm - Whittle Lecture Theatre
Detection of Exoplanets in PCEB binary systems using Eclipse Time Variations (ETVs)
Presented by Ian Sharp - BAA
The talk describes the speakers research into the Exoplanets that have been found by the technique of Eclipse Time Variations.
Post-Common Envelope binary star systems are described and why they are used for this work.
The practical techniques of the photometry involved and light-curve analysis are discussed.
The analysis of ETV O–C diagrams is discussed and the possible causes for variations that are seen in them, including the possible influence by unseen bodies.
The results of the published research are covered along with the surprising conclusions!
The speaker has been a passionate amateur astronomer since the late 1960’s. Obtaining a degree in Physics and Electronics from London University in 1981, the speaker went on to pursue a career path covering Seismology in Africa, developments in Robotics and Medical Electronics and finally building a software consultancy in the mid-90’s.
Now retired, the speaker is a very active astronomer now publishing research in professional journals such as the MNRAS.
This year, he was awarded the BAA Steavenson Award for outstanding contributions to observational astronomy
Please book with Phil Alner Please click here to reserve your place.
Tuesday 14th April 2026
7:30pm - The Observatory
CARS #34 - Cosmology, Astronomy & Rocket Science
CARS are informal gatherings to watch videos related to cosmology, astronomy, rocket science and other topics of mutual interest, and to chat about them.
As ever space is limited please book your seat as soon as practical.