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HCO comprises a group of amateur observers promoting astronomy in the community. Whether you have private or educational interests in the subject, our aim is to make astronomy accessible to you. We welcome public and school groups to star parties and other events that will open up the Heavens and share with you the wonders of the cosmos. If you are a student or teacher at a local school or university, please see the Education section for details of our current activities and how you can get involved. more...
News
History at Hanwell
Archeologist Stephen Wass has recently begun a study into Hanwell Castle and it's grounds, where HCO is based. Hanwell Castle, the area's oldest brick building, was built by Henry VII's treasurer, and the park's 16th and 17th century water gardens were visited by royalty. more...
Stars & Snowdrops 2013
17th February 2013
Thanks to the hundreds of visitors to Stars & Snowdrops 2013. Everyone who came on the extra Sunday enjoyed the beautiful snowdrops, spectacular views of the sun and the moon and the delicious cake! And a special thanks to everyone who braved the weather to come to Stars and Snowdrops the previous weekend. Despite the rain, over 100 visitors enjoyed the snowdrops, talking to the astronomers and, of course, the tea and cakes by the huge log fire! more...
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Visit HCO
You can visit the observatory for a stargazing evening, either privately booked for your party of 10-25 people, or on one of our scheduled public evenings. "Private" events are specifically for large parties, be they business outings, societies or educational groups. When we have arranged a schedule and have a working booking system, "public" events will be run on a first-come-first-served basis, where places may be booked by small groups and individuals. more...
Astrophotos
Click here to see an album of astrophotography by HCO members on our facebook page (you can view the photos without a facebook account).
History at Hanwell
Archaeologist Stephen Wass has recently begun a study into Hanwell Castle and it's grounds, where HCO is based. Hanwell Castle, the area's oldest brick building, was built by Henry VII's treasurer, and the park's 16th and 17th century water gardens were visited by royalty.
To find out more about the project, click here to visit the Polyolbion website.
Factsheets
Find out more about astronomy with our new range of factsheets, created by HCO astronomers. These are only the first few factsheets, and many more are currently being made, so like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with our latest information, tips and advice.
Starting Astronomy
Astronomy is a rewarding hobby and it is very easy to get started. A starry sky on a dark clear night is a wonderful sight: your astronomy can begin with your unaided eyesight, and you can do even more with a pair of binoculars. more...
Buying a Telescope
When you have progressed to the point of buying a telescope you are faced with a bewildering variety of types, but a few simple decisions should make the choice a little more straightforward. more...
The Moon
The Moon is the Earth’s only natural satellite, it is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old and it is the fifth largest Moon in the Solar System. more...
The Inner Planets
The Inner Planets are the four planets which have the closest orbits to the Sun. These are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. It is this close proximity to the Sun that allowed the the temperatures for the rock and metal to condense more...
The Outer Planets
The Outer Planets are the four planets which have the furthest orbits to the Sun. These are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. They planets formed far out from the Sun warmth past the frost line, where the low temperatures allowed ice condense more...
Lunar Eclipses
A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, meaning that the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow. These can cause the Moon to go red, and are easy to observe with the naked eye. more...
Solar Eclipses
Total Solar Eclipses are one of the most spectacular astronomical sights, with the moon perfectly obscuring the sun’s disc, a phenomenon unique in the solar system. more...
