The Planetarium and Observatory is supported in it's work by two local astronomical societies from the
group of societies in the North-East of England.
[Image: Cleveland & Darlington Astronomical Society]
[Image: Durham Astronomical Society]
[Image: North East Group of Astronomical Societies]
- The Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society or CaDAS
came into being in January 1990, following the merger of two neighbouring societies, Cleveland AS and Darlington AS,
which had existed since 1979 and 1980 respectively. CaDAS were heavily involved with the establishment of both the Planetarium (2002)
and Observatory (1994) at Wynyard Woodland Park, raising both funds and providing volunteers for the management and construction of both
projects with Stockton Borough Council. CaDAS meetings are held
at the Planetarium, usually but not always, on the second Friday of the month between September and June, and involve an hour long talk by an invited
speaker on a topic of general insterest in astronomy and cosmology, followed by a question and answer session. Meetings are open to both members and to the general public, for more precise
information on speakers and dates please visit their website www.cadas-astro.org.uk.
Members of the society have a wide range of experience in practical astronomy and help out at both our regular Public Observing
sessions and Telescope Club.
- The Durham Astronomical Society or DAS was established in 1978.
DAS are largely a group of very active observers and astronomical imagers and are heavily involved with observing and pratical astronomy at the Planetarium. DAS meetings are held
in the City of Durham, usually but not always, on the third Friday of the month between September and June, and again involve a talk by an invited
speaker on a topic of general insterest in astronomy and cosmology, followed by a question and answer session. Meetings are open to both members and to the general public, for more precise
information please visit their website www.durhamastronomy.org.
Like CaDAS, members of the society are also regularly involved is supporting Public Observing
events and Telescope Club at the Planetarium & Observatory.
- The North East Group of Astronomical Societies or NEGAS is a loose affiliation of all amateur astronomical
societies in the North-East of England, stretching from Northumberland to North Yorkshire; set-up to promote their activities and astronomy within the area.
Contact and basic meeting details are provided on the website www.negas.org.uk, for exact details of each society's activities please contact the relevant secretary.
