Saturn and the autumn sky: observing night
Hollin Ridge car park, off Moor Lane
The night sky is better with company
Nightjar is a friendly astronomy club for anyone who has ever looked up and wondered. No telescope or experience needed.
Come to an observing nightWhat we do
Three ways to get started
However much you already know, there’s a seat by the telescope for you.
Observing nights
Monthly sessions at our dark-sky site, with club telescopes set up and someone happy to show you where to look.
Friendly talks
Members and visiting astronomers on everything from Saturn’s rings to the newest Webb images. Questions very welcome.
Beginner help
Bring a new telescope, a pair of binoculars or just your curiosity. We’ll help you set up and find your way around the sky.
Upcoming events
Join us under the stars
Everything is free for members, and your first observing night is on us. Dress warmly: dark-sky sites get cold.
Talk: How Webb sees the invisible universe
Hollin Vale Library, Reading Room
Geminids meteor watch
Hollin Ridge car park, off Moor Lane
Beginners’ telescope clinic: bring your scope
The Old Schoolroom, Mill Lane
Orion Nebula observing night
Hollin Ridge car park, off Moor Lane
Astrophotography
Sights we love to chase
Objects we talk about and hunt for at the eyepiece, seen here through the Webb and Hubble space telescopes.
Pillars of Creation, Eagle Nebula Webb · NIRCam Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; J. DePasquale, A. Koekemoer, A. Pagan (STScI). ESA/Webb, CC BY 4.0 
Cosmic Cliffs, Carina Nebula Webb · NIRCam Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI. ESA/Webb, CC BY 4.0 
Crab Nebula, Messier 1 Hubble · WFPC2 Credit: NASA, ESA and Allison Loll/Jeff Hester (Arizona State University). Acknowledgement: Davide De Martin (ESA/Hubble). ESA/Hubble, CC BY 4.0 
Horsehead Nebula, Barnard 33 Hubble · WFC3 infrared Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI). ESA/Hubble, CC BY 4.0 
Stephan’s Quintet Webb · NIRCam + MIRI Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI. ESA/Webb, CC BY 4.0 
Webb’s First Deep Field, SMACS 0723 Webb · NIRCam Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI. ESA/Webb, CC BY 4.0
Membership
Ready to join us?
One small yearly fee keeps the telescopes running and the kettle on. Pick the membership that fits your household.
Student
£12 per year
For students and under-25s finding their way around the sky.
- All observing nights and talks
- Borrow a club telescope for a month
- Beginners’ clinics and star-hopping walks
- The monthly sky guide by email
Member
Most popular£30 per year
Everything the club does, for one adult.
- Everything in Student
- Priority places on dark-sky trips
- Use of the club’s imaging rig
- A vote at the annual meeting
Family
£45 per year
Two adults and up to three children at the same address.
- Everything in Member, for the household
- Family-friendly early observing sessions
- A planisphere to keep
- Junior astronomer certificates
Try a free observing night first
Join on the night, or any time after. No pressure.