About us
Instead of going out all lonely to see the stars and other things in space, let's share stargazing time and views for safer and more social, better experiences (and learn more)!
How
We do this locally in South West London (with occasional events elsewhere) and as often as the organiser's schedule/weather permits. Events may be at short notice (~2 days or less) sometimes if the skies suddenly clear. Hence our calendar can be somewhat random, but we try for at least one event per month, including: star-parties (in a public common/park), socials (pub/cafe), and occasional trips to exhibitions / observatories / other places of interest to astronomers. But no need to be an astronomer already - everyone welcome, from absolute novices to professionals and experts! (we're mostly amateurs and you won't be left out as a beginner).
We continue to meet in summer. For stargazing, we mostly start by meeting in lit public venues (such as pubs)Ā near a darker location to gather and introduce ourselves; before walking to the darker location for viewing together. I aim to make events reasonably accessible via public transport too. This reduces worries for new members. Its much better than expecting new members to find a small group ofĀ unknown people atĀ nightĀ in hard to findĀ dark places. Feel free to suggest new events/locations too! (always on the hunt for alternatives in new areas, might you have somewhere to share with us?)
We enjoy sharing views through different telescopes/binoculars, or even with just your eyes; and knowledge about the planets/constellations/galaxies/deep sky objects and how to find them. Several members have telescopes and bring them to some meets, but you don't need anything to come along, just show up. Late evenings are much easier in Winter of course with earlier nights.
Its easy to find talks to go to around/near London to learn and the web always has plenty of news and info, so this meetup group is primarily for meeting up in the evenings to see the stars, the moon, planets or deep sky objects (if there are suitable telescopes around).
When
Note: due to the weather, meetings may come up at relatively short notice or be cancelled if its terrible, but I plan on both weekdays and weekends, and try to set up at least one or two meets per month. I also copy over and post the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers group monthly (but irregular) events in Regents Park to publicise those as they are great events and usually very well attended (can be more than 100). Everyone from novices/beginners toĀ experienced astronomers go, there can be 20-oddĀ telescopes/binoculars on a good (clear) night brought by members, so they are a great way to learn more and see different equipment and accessories at work.
Some meets will fallback to a social evening inside if skies fail us. If a meeting is described (in title or main description) as tentative or unsure, then please check with the organiser whether it is still on, close to the day of the meet (by phone/text/email, allowing at least a couple of hours ideally in case of delayed response). Otherwise you take a slight risk going.
Use the message board to make random invites if you're planning a session a night or two ahead. It feels much safer and more fun sharing the wonders of the night sky with others.
Where
Usual meeting grounds might be Tooting Common, Streatham Common, sometimes Wimbledon Common or Blackheath, but we try others too occasionally. Commons/parks mean less streets and lights nearby, we choose the ones publicly accessible at night, and are generally the best places in London for stargazing. I'll try to keep public transport in mind as obviously dark skies tend to be further from public transport. You'd be surprised what you can see on a good night when away from immediate streetlights though, especially through any enhancing equipment (regular binoculars or even a pair of opera glasses will do, telescope even better).
For more about our regular locations, see the locations page I wrote about that (in the "Pages" section on meetup website, not in the app).
Equipment
As I say, you don't need anything but your eyes to enjoy the night skies; there will almost always be at least some binoculars and a telescope brought along by others that will be happy to share views with you (the organiser has some good binoculars, often on a tripod, and a small telescope). But if you do have something you can bring - from as little as a red light torch (which doesn't ruin your natural night-vision so easily), to binoculars (any pair will do!), a camera (better if you can control the exposure manually eg. DSLR/bridge camera), or telescope, then we'd appreciate that and hope you can share views it gives. Even the star-map apps on phones are useful (eg. Google sky map, Stellarium) for finding targets to view. If you can provide transport for others to better viewing locations then thats also very much appreciated.
If you're interested in buying some equipment, do check out my buying advice in the page I wrote about that - but I very highly and strongly recommend you come to an event first (whether ours or another) and see other people's gear and ask questions first because it can easily be an expensive mistake if you don't know what you want, and even put you off for good. Or at least talk to someone in a proper astronomy shop (eg. Widescreen Centre in London, Astronomia in Godalming, or Tring, to name a few near/in London), and read a few reviews so you have a better idea what to expect. Things to consider: time to setup each night, weight/size to carry and put away, what you'll be looking at (planets/the moon? the sun? deep sky objects? everything? daytime use too?), ease of use (type of scope+finder, type/quality of mount, whether computerised/motorised), accessories you'll need/want (and cost of), and how well you know the sky or are willing to learn by hand all play a part - not just the cost and scope power!
Donate to Support Us
This all costs time & money - Meetup organiser subscription, acquiring telescope/other optics accessories suited to star-parties, promotion & marketing, for your benefit. If you like what we do, please support our regular/one-off costs (e.g. Ā£9 share of Meetup organiser subscription per month, Ā£10 typical promotion for larger events via business cards, noticeboards, shared use of a $20/month Zapier Professional sub. for automation, a share of ~Ā£8.50/month public liability insurance) via links below or donate at an event (or even just buying the organiser a drink):
- Card payment - https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QIH93GM9
- PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GTM57L4WH94UN
Upcoming events
2
Join Flamsteed (other group) Saturday evening observing (Blackheath)
Blackheath Common, North of Talbot Place, Blackheath Common, next to SE3 0TZ, London, GBFlamsteed 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-2026-09-19-20-003 attendeesLets Look at the Leonids 2026 (shooting stars!)
Rose and Crown, 140 Tooting Bec Road, SW17 8BH, London, GBCome spot meteors with us for the 2nd biggest (ish) meteor shower of the year! We hope Wednesday night will be clear but I'll adjust this if it changes too much, the Friday 20th is a preferred backup option if possible (weekends easier late nights for many). Free event (though donations towards meetup and service fees* via cash/card/PayPal, or offers of drinks, gratefully accepted).
The Leonids meteors run from the 13th to 21st November every year (peaking 17-18th). Named due to their originating point ("radiant") appearing in the constellation of Leo, as the Earth flies through comet Tempel-Tuttle's tail debris in our orbit around the sun.
BRING:
This is simple: all you need is to dress up extra warmly, so you don't have to quit early! If inexperienced at cold nighttime astronomy outside, add around 2 extra clothing layers on top of what you think you need (ie. plan for being outside a few hours then add 2 more regular layers). Don't forget gloves, hat (highly recommended), scarf/similar, and thicker socks/shoes or boots suitable for grass. Thermal underwear is a great addon, heat packs can help too.
Absolutely the best tool to see meteors with, is just your eyes and the ability to point them upwards for minutes at a time. Very beginner friendly!
Optionally bring:
reclining chairs/ rugs/sheets/ cushions/ sleeping bags/ space-blanket/ waterproof layers as you like (lying on your back is easiest way to see more of the sky without getting a tired neck and not to miss any, but also the coldest and possibly wettest if it rained recently). - it will get very cold late on if its a clear sky and we're on the cold ground (clouds act like a blanket so on a clear day/night, as we're hoping to have selected, it will get cold fast)!No need to bring telescope or binoculars - only if you like to look at other things and don't mind missing out on meteors (John will probably bring his).
Cameras also welcome with a similar caveat (only useful for meteor photos if can do long exposures & with a tripod/other steady support); please don't use flash around us as it immediately wipes out our night-vision that takes minutes to adjust to again.
Red torches are fine if you have them - they don't ruin your/our night vision when we're well adjusted to it. Otherwise do be careful where you point lights! There are smartphone apps or builtin settings on some smartphones that can dim and redden the display even more beyond your minimum setting to help retain your night vision too (don't forget to reset to normal before you get into daylight or it'll be impossible to see and cancel the extra darkening!).
PLAN:
We'll gather a crowd of us at the pub meet point. Please aim to be at the pub for the start or soon after if you can (or let us know ahead if late), you'll avoid your own stress worrying to find us and delaying us all. You'll have a say where we walk to, and we'll explain what to expect; you'll relax with the friendly group first, time for a brief drink if you wish (and arrive near the start time).
We'll then walk to the common around 8pm (or earlier if people are there and ready in time). I expect we'll head for Tooting Common's cricket pitch just to the east and a little up Dr. Johnson Avenue (pitch is on grass to the right of that road), around 10-15mins walk. Though we will comment on the event to confirm exactly where, once we set off/get there.
GETTING THERE:
If you might arrive later, either take your chances finding us, or make sure you have my no. (see "how to find us" comment for the event, visible on event web page and phone app event location description). Works for WhatsApp/SMS/calls (though I can't always pick up; mention the group name if calling any other time).
Public transport:
šTooting Bec tube station is on the Northern line and nearest, via bus..
šBus 249/319 bus or 10 minute walk east along Tooting Bec Road from tube to the pub. The 249 also comes from Balham station (with its mainline service to/from Victoria via Clapham Junction).
šNearest stops to Rose & Crown are Manafort Road or Franciscan Rd (first one you come across).
šTrain: Streatham stations (except Streatham Common) are close enough too, 319 comes down from just above Streatham Hill, 249 joins the route from the other direction at St. Leonards.šDriving? You can š æļøpark on Avoca Road next to the pub, or Elmbourne Road right opposite the pub alongside the common - do check for the double-yellow (or red) lines to avoid fines.
If arriving later and we are indeed at the cricket pitch you can walk/still use 249/319 busses til "Tooting Athletics Track" stop, or drive and park in the š æļøcar park at the bottom (south end) of Dr.Johnson Ave (next to the bus stop). Walk (north) along Dr.Johnson Ave. - away from the main road, and when you see grassy common on the right, the cricket pitch is on the larger green there (if thats where we are). Check parking restrictions but I believe that car park is free after 6pm. Maybe you could bring folding/reclining chair(s) if you have any and the space for it, as it'll be harder for others walking/public transport to bring bulkier items.
MORE INFO:
The moon (in its current phase) will be out of the way until late night, but is close to the Leonids radiant this year which only rises after 10pm. This meteor shower is fairly active, you ought to see them away from the radiant point also; so if its cloudy around that area, look for a nearby clear patch. Keep an eye out late in the evenings and early mornings of the same week too if you're up then. I can help show you where to look at the meet, if you're lost in the constellations - assuming not cloudy in that area. Google Sky Map is one free useful phone app to help find constellations, there are many other options too.
The comet Tempel-Tuttle discovered in 1865 is responsible for this meteor shower, from its shed debris. These meteors are the fastest of any shower, at around 44 miles per second with up to 15 per hour! That means more fireballs than most big showers, which should make them easier to see if we get any as they'll outshine Venus. If we're really lucky we might even get one with more colour visible.
In London the viewing is not as good as further away but we've always managed to spot a few if the clouds don't get in the way. Also plenty of chance to chat, hang out and learn about other things out there while waiting in between meteors.
As always, and I'll say again to emphasize for first timers, please note, all experienced stargazers will strongly recommend bringing at least one extra layer all over (including socks) to keep warm: probably two more clothing layers at this time of year than you think you'll need for standing outside for a while in an open space. It cools down quickly in the evening especially if we get clear skies and, standing (or even more so lying) relatively still on open ground for longer periods, you will notice it more than you expect. In autumn/winter, a hat, and gloves or thick warm pockets, are essential. People have used those shiny silvered space blankets before too.
We've been meeting for the meteor showers for many years, and the Leonids since 2015, lets hope we're successful!
* Share of this group's Meetup subscription fee and other services used to help run it divided monthly ~ Ā£20
3 attendees
Past events
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