Astrofair will take place this year on the 28th June
South West Astronomy Fair
Sponsored by ZWO and featuring USW Rocketry society
The Norman Lockyer Observatory
Sidmouth, Devon
Saturday 28th June 2025
You can see a local press report of the 2024 event from the Sidmouth Herald: https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/24425018.sidmouth-astrofair-event-offered-something-ages/
Activities at the event:
– Free tours with talks of the Historical Telescope Domes
– Free Access to The Planetarium Shows
– Free programme of Events and Talks by the NLO Groups
– Live Solar Observing (weather permitting)
– Talks by USW Rocketry and displays of their competition rockets
– Displays from Astronomy Societies, Mission Astro, Institute of Physics
– Trade Marquee with Exhibitors: Widescreen Centre, First Light Optics, Bresser, MSG Meteorites, Society for Popular Astronomy
– A raffle with prizes including a SeeStar S50 telescope generously donated by ZWO.
– Lockyer Technology Centre
– Demonstrations of how to use the ZWO SeeStar S50
– More activities currently being planned
The Guest speakers will give interesting talks on a topical area within current astronomy and will include visual presentations. These will be held in the main Lecture Theatre. Due to demand, tickets can be purchased in advance; the cost is additional to the event entrance fee.
Speakers
These presentations are additional to the entrance fee. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day if space is available.
| Time | Subject | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 | The Full Moon |  Mike Foulkes Director of the BAA Saturn, Uranus and Neptune Section. |
| 13:00 | Practical aspects of modern hi-resolution planetary imaging |  Martin Lewis https://skyinspector.co.uk/ |
| 14:30 | How not to go the way of the dinosaurs |  Dr Megan Argo BEM Astrophysicist & Science Communicator https://drmeganargo.net/ |
| 16:15 | The accidental universe |  Professor Chris Lintott FRAS Astrophysicist and presenter of The Sky At Night |
Food and drink is available to buy on the day.
Entrance fee: Adults £15, Children free with adult.
Lecture Tickets £5
All enquiries Email to – astrofair@normanlockyer.com
If you would like to book a trade stand the please fill in this form and send it to astrofair@normanlockyer.com
If you would like to become a member of the Norman Lockyer Society click here: Joining the NLO