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 Solent Amateur Astronomers
About us and How to Join Observatory and Open Nights Talks Programme Gallery Links
S.A.A Logo Who We Are and What we Do

Just north of Southampton, in the quiet village of Toothill, stands one of the finest observatories in Hampshire.  It houses a 14" Meade and numerous smaller telescopes.

Owned and run by Solent Amateur Astronomers, it's doors open regularly to the public, when every one is most welcome - see schedule of open nights.

We also have a comprehensive programme of talks at Oasis Academy, Lordshill to which the public are also invited.
»What's Coming Up
 
»Open Night
Date and time of next observatory open night and what we will be viewing

»Next Talk
16th October - Annual General Meeting - All members invited to attend

Contact the Webmaster at: webmaster@solentastro.org

Tel - 07816 634142

Toothill Observatory
Toothill Observatory

The society's observatory at Toothill, nr Southampton-click photo to enlarge. Photo courtesy of P Jones

 Our Aims & Objectives
  • Spread understanding & appreciation of the night sky
  • To provide a centre of active observation, experience and practical guidance
  • To constantly improve our facilities & keep abreast of technological developments

Important Notice - Society Observing in the New Forest

The Toothill Observatory is still closed for at least the next 6 months owing to major construction works being carried out by Southern Water

It is intended to resume open nights at Toothill and group visits when the works are completed.

Meanwhile - The society is planning to hold approximately bi-monthly observing sessions during the coming observing season.  The sessions will be arranged at short (approx. 2-3 days) notice when the weather forecast is favourable.  They will be notified via email to members, details will also be put on this website and Facebook page.

Tuesday 9th October

We will be holding an observing session on Tuesday 9th October at Stoney Cross Plain car park. Meet from 20:00.  The forecast is good & there’s a new moon so conditions should be ideal.

We will be bringing a 6” Celestron scope and an 80mm SkyWatcher Refractor ED80. Feel free to bring your own equipment.

The route from Southampton to the site requires visitors to exit at the end of the M27 (J1 Cadnam) and take the 3rd exit off the roundabout to head through Brook round to the site. 

The map reference of the site is:

OS X (Eastings)     424707

OS Y (Northings)    112652

Nearest Post Code   SO43 7HH

Lat (WGS84)         N50:54:46 (50.912809)

Long (WGS84)        W1:38:60 (-1.649935)

Lat,Long            50.912809,-1.649935

Nat Grid            SU247126 / SU2470712652


It is only a short straight run away from the site back to the one-way carriageway of the main A31.

Please turn your car round on arrival so leaving the site will not inconvenience others with bright headlights. Remember to bring some warm clothes as it can get quite chilly, especially if there’s a breeze.

Should the evening be too cloudy, windy or raining, it will be cancelled. If you require confirmation whether the event will take place, please phone either:

Roger Homan 07732249353

Sally Towlson 07748266867

Roger Nelson 07932774021

Sessions will be held at the Stoney Cross Plain car park.

Link to Observing Site Map

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