The Wonders of The Dark Sky Stargazing event held at Woodoaks Farm in September was jointly organised by The Chiltern Society, the West of London Astronomical Society (WOLAS), South West Herts Astronomical Society (SWHAS), Woodoaks Farm and the Colne Valley Regional Park.
This event offered a chance to marvel at the September night sky guided by astronomers. The location was chosen because it is a wonderfully open area where your view of the night sky is unobstructed with lower levels of light pollution than urban areas.
This special event was initiated by Karen-Anne Devoil, who describes the evening for us:
“On Thursday 25th September a ‘Wonders Of the Dark Sky’ stargazing event took place in the ideal open sky location of Woodoaks Farm.
This sold-out event was arranged in collaboration with The Colne Valley Regional Park, The Chiltern Society, The West Of London Astronomical Society (WOLAS), South West Herts Astronomical Society (SWHAS), and Woodoaks Farm.
We were very lucky to have clear skies! This enabled a wonderful evening of stargazing. Experts from WOLAS and SWHAS had set up their observing stations and mobile observatories so that everyone could easily view the delights of the night sky.
Sharp eyed attendees had the chance to see this list of targets, on the night….
Saturn; Neptune; the International Space Station; Globular Cluster M13; Eastern Veil nebula (Witches Broomstick); Andromeda Galaxy M31; the Whirlpool Galaxy M51; the Pinwheel galaxy M101; M13 The globular cluster M13; Comet Wierzchos C/2024 E1; Elephants’ trunk nebula imaged by Ben Orsmond from his AstroVan; Alberio double star (blue and gold stars); Ursa Major (the Plough) and Polaris, highlighting Alcor and Mizar, both double stars; Cassiopeia Constellation; Cygnus Constellation; Supernova SN 2025rbs; Bode’s galaxy M82; M81 galaxy face on spiral (next to M82).
Wow – I think you’ll agree, that is quite a list!
During the evening visitors were also provided with observing notes and star charts of the night sky and could also view the onsite astronomy exhibition, take part in the family focussed space quiz and also enjoy hot drinks and snacks which were kindly provided by the Tea Shack.”
An extraordinary evening of stargazing made possible by the organisers and volunteers. We would like to thank everyone who came together to make this evening a success including the organisers, all the volunteer marshals and astronomers as well as Sue Lacy for the set up at Woodoaks and providing these excellent photos, and to SWHAS member Ben Orsmond for the image of the Elephant’s trunk nebula.
Huge thanks to our partners the Chiltern Society, the West of London Astronomical Society (WOLAS) South West Herts Astronomical Association (SWHAS) and Woodoaks Farm.
More Information
Find out about Star Gazing Events, including OBSERVING SESSIONS AT RUISLIP LIDO, Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November 2025 , 6 – 8 pm from the West London Astronomical Society
Light pollution and preserving dark skies, Karen Devoil, Chiltern Society magazine Autumn 2023
