Stargazing at Helen Garden

The Eastbourne Astronomical Society are back at Helen Garden on Saturday 14 November, from 5pm to 7pm. It's one of their public stargazing evenings, part of a season that runs from 17 October 2026 through to 13 March 2027. The society brings out its own telescopes and sets them up on the garden, and as people look through them, members are on hand to answer questions and point out what you're seeing.

Depending on what's visible that night, you'll be looking at the moon's craters and mountains, Saturn's rings and cloud bands, the Andromeda Galaxy and the Seven Sisters. The start time shifts through the winter to follow the sunset, so it's a bit later as the nights draw in. The season also adds a March date this time around, one more than the four they ran last time.

The society is a registered educational charity (No. 1105267) that does more than just these garden evenings. They hold monthly lectures at Willingdon Memorial Hall, take part in the annual Herstmonceux Astronomy Festival and Star Party at the Observatory Science Centre, and have even taken observing up to Beachy Head. Councillor Jenny Williams, the council's lead member for tourism and place, called Eastbourne 'the perfect place to begin an exploration of the night sky' when the previous season was announced.

It's free to attend, and children are welcome. No booking is required, so you can just turn up. The session is cancelled if it rains, or if snow, ice or high winds make it unsafe. You'll find them at Helen Garden, King Edwards Parade, Meads, Eastbourne, BN20 7XL, from 5pm to 7pm.