We are excited and honoured to announce that Professor Andrew Coates from UCL-MSSL has kindly agreed to become our new Patron.
Professor Andrew Coates gained a BSc in Physics from UMIST in 1978, and MSc (1979) and D.Phil. (1982) in plasma physics from Oxford University. He has been at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) since 1982, with temporary guest positions at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Physics (Germany), University of Delaware (USA) and the BBC World service (media fellowship). He is now Deputy Director (solar system) at UCL-MSSL. Space mission involvements include the Rosalind Franklin (ExoMars) rover where he leads the PanCam team, Cassini, where he led the electron spectrometer team (part of the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer), Venus Express, Mars Express and Giotto. Scientific interests include the solar wind interaction with planets and comets, planetary surfaces and space instrumentation; he has authored and co-authored over 570 publications, including over 450 refereed. He was a member of STFC Science Board (2019-22). He is a active in space and science outreach, and was President (2021-23) and vice President (2020-21 & 23-24) of the Society for Popular Astronomy.
Ewell Astronomical Society was founded by Phil Ringsdore in 1966 with Sir Patrick Moore as its patron. ( Sir Patrick Moore )
Following Sir Patrick’s death in 2012, Professor Ian Morison accepted an invitation to become the society’s patron, a position which he held until his sad passing in April 2024. ( Professor Ian Morison )
The society has the use of an Observatory housed 11 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope installed at Nonsuch High School where we hold regular informal observing sessions. We also hold regular observing sessions at Headley Heath and Ranmore Common near Dorking under dark skies.
We can provide talks, demonstrations and guided viewing sessions for schools and groups such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts.
We have resumed our monthly meetings and regular observing sessions.
See below for potential 2025 observing dates (weather permitting).
Please contact us or visit our Facebook page for further details.
