BAA – Back to Basics – Eclipse Special – Saturday 2nd May 2026 09:30 – 17:00.
What
A programme of astronomy talks and activities that has something for everyone, whatever your level (if any) of astronomical knowledge.
When and Where
Saturday 2nd May 2026 09:30 – 17:00, Newquay Tretherras School, Trevenson Rd, Newquay, TR7 3BH
Please book your tickets ONLINE here
Theme
The event is an Eclipse Special. There are significant partial solar and lunar eclipses visible from the UK in August this year. Find out why they happen, and how to observe them safely (free solar eclipse glasses).
Learn about the Sun and the Moon, planets and galaxies and how to photograph them.
Given Cornwall’s rich ancient history, we’ll also be hearing from local expert Carolyn Kennett about how our ancient ancestors observed the Moon, the Sun and Eclipses.
And coming right up to date, find out about the latest ‘Artemis’ crewed mission to the Moon.
It’s not all talks, there will be plenty of hands-on activities too including:
- Observe the Sun safely with some specialist telescopes,
- see sunspots and prominences (weather permitting!)
- Hold actual pieces of meteorites from the Moon, Mars and asteroids
- Try your hand at sketching the Moon or the Sun
- Talk to astronomy retailers and try out different telescopes
- Make observations with remote telescopes
You’ll even be able to build and launch rockets at lunchtime!
Our helpful experts will be on hand to discuss any questions you may have, advise you on budget-friendly equipment for astronomy, and to talk about how local and national astronomy societies can help you on your astronomical journey of discovery.
TICKETS:
- Adults £10
- Members of BAA, Kernow Astronomers and SPA £8
- Under 18s accompanied by an adult £5
- Prices include refreshments but not lunch
Please book your tickets ONLINE here
★ Astronomy stands ★ Free Raffle included with your ticket ★
Please also note that one of the speakers has a severe nut allergy, so we would ask you not to bring any kind of nut, or anything with nuts in it, to this event
Draft Timetable
| 9:30 | Registration and coffee | |
| 10:00 | Welcome and Housekeeping | Helen Usher, BAA Education and Outreach (E&O) Section and Kernow Astronomers |
| 10:15 | Introduction to the Night Sky | Cath Adams, SPA |
| 10:45 | Observing the Sun | DR Nigel Price, Kernow Astronomers |
| 11:15 | Refreshments and informal hands on activities including Investigating comets and asteroids. Handling meteorites, bits of the Moon and Mars. Chat to speakers. | |
| 11:45 | Observing the Moon | Tony Cook, BAA Lunar Section |
| 12:15 | Introduction to Telescopes | Frank Johns, Kernow Astronomers |
| 12:45 | Lunch (not provided, please bring your own) Informal hands on activities including: Observing the Sun (weather permitting). Trying different types of telescopes. Sketching the Sun and Moon. Investigating Craters – impact simulator. Setting up observations with remote telescopes. Rocket Launching. Chat to speakers | |
| 1:45 | Ancient Sun, Moon and Eclipse Observations | Carolyn Kennett, Archaeoastronomy Cornwall |
| 2:15 | Solar and Lunar Eclipses | Mike Frost, BAA Historical Section (and Eclipse chaser!) |
| 2:45 | Be part of Something Bigger | BAA/Kernow Astronomers/SPA |
| 3:00 | Refreshments and informal hands on activities including: How to view the eclipse safely. Chat to speakers. Discussing photography with experts. Investigating different wavelengths of light (UV, Infrared). | |
| 3:20 | Eclipses in the Solar System | Philip Jennings, BAA Education and Outreach Section, and Journal Editor |
| 3:50 | Imaging and Astronomy with a Seestar | Mark Godwin, Kernow Astronomers |
| 4:20 | To the Moon – Modern Lunar Exploration | Jeni Millard – Sky Guide App Editor, BAA E&O Section |
| 4:50 | Raffle, thanks and wrap up | |
| 5:00 | Finish |
Venue
Newquay Tretherras School, Trevenson Rd, Newquay TR7 3BH