South Downs Dark Skies Festival
The 10th anniversary of the South Downs Dark Skies Festival takes place from Thursday 12th to Sunday 22nd February 2026, with lots of great events listed at www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-skies-hub/dark-skies-festival.
As part of this festival, the Lewes Astronomical Society is holding a special Valentine's Day Stargazing Evening at the Gun Brewery Taproom this Saturday, 14th February. For more information, see the Next Event section on this page.
Astronomical Sketching Workshop
The Lewes Astronomical Society is delighted to present a sketching workshop hosted by astronomer and space artist Sally Russell on Saturday 28th February 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm at the Subud Centre in Lewes.
Have a go at drawing astronomical targets using materials suitable for use at the eyepiece - traditional graphite pencils on white paper, and white pastels on black paper.
The workshop will start with a presentation including specific examples to illustrate the techniques involved, plus information on the practicalities of sketching at the eyepiece.
This will be followed by a hands-on sketching session working from a choice of suitable photos of the Moon, the Sun, planets Mars and Jupiter, plus example deep sky targets.
Sally will be on hand throughout to provide help and guidance. No previous drawing experience is required, and all materials will be provided.
Tickets are only £10 each. Please email our Secretary, Jane Penny, at secretary@lewesas.org.uk to book. Tickets are limited for this special event, so please book now to avoid disappointment.
About Us
We're a friendly astronomy group based in Lewes, the county town of East Sussex. Whether you're passionate or just curious about astronomy, an expert or complete novice, everyone is welcome. Our activities are designed to suit all levels of interest, knowledge, and experience within the field of astronomy.
Our heritage dates back five decades as a small group known as the Lewes Astronomers. Astronomy has made significant strides during that time, yet it remains one of the few scientific disciplines in which amateurs can play a useful role.
Relaunched in 2022 as the Lewes Astronomical Society, we now attract about 150 members each year. Yet our ethos remains simple: to promote all aspects of astronomy in a friendly and inclusive environment for people living in and around the Lewes area.
By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policies. New members are automatically subscribed to our mailshots when joining our society.
Next Event
Valentine's Day Stargazing Evening
Presented by the LAS
Gun Brewery Taproom, Hawthbush Farm, Gun Hill, East Sussex
14th February 2026 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Come along and enjoy an evening of stargazing and star lore at the Gun Brewery Taproom from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday 14th February.
The perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day!
Using telescopes and binoculars, we plan to explore the highlights of the winter sky, weather permitting. LAS committee member Jason Wye will also give a short presentation about the Greek legends of some constellations, including a famous love story, especially for Valentine's Day.
This family friendly-event is free to attend. Everyone is welcome, including children. You can book a table or just turn up on the night. The address is Gun Brewery Taproom, Hawthbush Farm, Gun Hill, East Sussex, TN21 0JX. Please DO NOT use this
postcode; use Google Maps instead to find the correct location. For more information, please visit www.gunbrewery.co.uk/star-gazing-evening.
Contact Us
For general enquiries about our society, please send an email to secretary@lewesas.org.uk. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact any of the team members shown on our committee page.
Join Us
Our membership season runs for 12 months from 1st September each year. Membership includes free admission to our public talks which are usually presented by a guest speaker. These meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Subud Centre in Lewes.
We also arrange other events throughout the year, such as stargazing evenings. Our events are a great way to meet amateurs and professionals in the field of astronomy and make new friends.
Join us now to enjoy full membership until 31st August 2026. See our membership page for more details.
Find Us
Our monthly public meetings are held in the Assembly Hall at the newly-renovated Lewes Subud Centre, East Sussex BN7 2DS (formerly Lewes New School). Entrance is in Talbot Terrace. Municipal car parks are free after 5pm. The Brook Street car park is just a few minutes easy walk from the venue.
Latitude 50.8765N Longitude 0.00835E /// tripled.collide.flattens