Join Flamsteed (other group) Saturday evening observing (Blackheath)

Flamsteed is a formal (famous!) astronomy society based in Greenwich that runs regular events. This is one of their stargazing observing meets thats open to the public (not all are), on Blackheath Common. Weather may alter plans to Sunday if not good enough (See their public events list), but it will be on Saturday or fallback to Sunday evening (if not cancelled) depending on the best forecast viewing.

So DO double check the event schedule on their website (or Facebook event) in the day or so ahead - or their twitter(X)/facebook to see whether Friday or Saturday is chosen - weather can cause cancellations!

Show up with or without a telescope/binoculars/other equipment; its usually been a smaller crowd of a handful of people, especially on the coldest nights, and just occasionally (in my experience/what I've heard) not quite as friendly to newcomers/minority groups, but there are also likely to be some very knowledgeable people there who've been committed amateur (or even pro) astronomers for a while.

They're further East than we usually meet, but still our side of the river so I will post their events sometimes, when open to the public (many of their other events are members-only).

These meetings are usually attended by several of their members and others, who bring telescopes and binoculars along and are generally keen to share views through them/explain what you can see. A few of their members are also members of this group.

To find out more about the society and joining to gain access to other events and their member benefits (including loan equipment I believe), see their website.

Getting there

The meeting point is just round the corner on the grass next to Prince Charles Street/off Talbot Street (they have a page about it).

* Public Transport/Walking
Nearest train stop: Blackheath station; only a 5-10minute walk to the meet location up the hill a bit and onto the common (turn left out of the station).

* Driving?
Parking might be available on (or near) Prince Charles Street. Try not to blind the group with your headlights as you approach, it takes minutes to build up good night vision but less than a second to ruin it. Beware parking restrictions for the residential area, Talbot Place is a cul-de-sac and there is a barrier restricting vehicle access to some parts.

To expect once there
In good weather, you can expect anywhere from a handful to around 10 (bit of a guess) telescopes of many shapes and sizes set up, all with owners keen to share views and to learn from each other. Ask and they will usually be only too happy to explain what to expect or what each tool is best for. There'll be some binoculars, astro-photography too occasionally, people from beginners to (often) experts in at least one subject area.

Ask nicely and join queues if they form around the more impressive scopes. If unfamiliar/first time, ask for advice to get the best use (eg. firstly: don't touch the scope at all, as a tiny jog will make the view shimmy around for a few seconds - just hold your eye next to the eyepiece, you might need to move your eye around a bit to find the view; ask/find owner if view empty/seems out of focus - keep your fingers off any glass and don't try to clean/wipe anything).

The Organisers

Flamsteed run this event, who are a proper astronomical society; I (your meetup group organiser, John) may sometimes also attend their meetings, but you should not rely on finding me there. Its not as well attended as the Baker Street Irregulars group in Regents Park, but there are a higher ratio of serious astronomers and astrophotographers in the group (due to requiring a subscription).

Why Go?

More of a trek than our own meets, the skies here are quite clear, a reasonable horizon. There are often very experienced astronomers attending, but numbers vary. You can find out more about the Flamsteed society from its members. There's always at least a handful of people and scopes there.

Another great way to learn more and find out what sort of equipment different people have and why/how they use it, and to compare views.

Dress warmly (warmer than you expect, if you're not used to standing still in big open spaces with clear skies for an hour or two at night), maybe bring a flask of hot drink. Guidance provided! No telescope/binoculars? There are usually several telescopes/binoculars that members/attendees will share views through and explain if asked.

More Info:
This event's page on their website: flamsteed.info/event-details/blackheath-observing-event-saturday-19-september-weather-back-up-sunday-20-september-2026-09-19-20-00