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Monday 5th October – Monday 12th October 2026
The British Deaf Astronomical Association spent a wonderful week at Kelling Heath, Norfolk,
bringing together 30 deaf people who share a passion for astronomy and the night sky.
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- Robin captured this amazing Milky Way photo using a smartphone. The dark lane splitting the Milky Way into two parts is called the Great Rift.
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It is made of huge dust clouds that block the light from distant stars behind them. It is not an empty gap, but a dusty veil within our galaxy, creating one of the most spectacular sights in the night sky.
- Anthony brought his telescope for the first time, carefully setting it up as he prepared to view Saturn through the eyepiece.
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Later that evening, his efforts were rewarded when he successfully observed Saturn, with its beautiful rings clearly on display.
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- Throughout the week, we enjoyed spending time together, sharing our knowledge and experiences, and learning more about the wonders of the universe.
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Northern Lights!
- Another unforgettable highlight was seeing the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky. It was a magical and memorable experience for everyone fortunate enough to witness this beautiful natural phenomenon.
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Lara Scott, Lucy Aitken & Katy Bence
- It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Deaf and local astronomy enthusiasts, build new friendships, and enjoy our shared fascination with the wonders of the universe.
o - The photo on the right shows the Northern Lights ~ As a special bonus, many of the visitors witnessed this spectacular phenomenon for the very first time, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
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- A Canon DSLR shooting over the Norfolk countryside and sea.
- The Northern Lights appeared much more purple in the smartphone image due to the phone’s night-mode processing. The Canon DSLR image showed colours closer to the natural appearance of the aurora, although both cameras successfully captured details that were difficult to see with the naked eye.
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Workshop
Workshop opportunities were available throughout the event,
giving Deaf and local astronomy enthusiasts the chance to learn, explore, and share their passion for the night sky together.
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- As part of the programme, we attended interesting workshops covering the future collision between the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way and filters used in astrophotography.
- These workshops helped us learn more about how galaxies interact and how different filters can enhance astronomical photographs by revealing details of celestial objects.
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Observing the Night skies
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- We were treated to some stunning views of Saturn and its moons, Jupiter, and various deep-sky objects through Derek’s impressive 20-inch Dobsonian telescope. It was an exciting opportunity to observe these celestial wonders and appreciate the incredible detail visible through such a large telescope.
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Away from Astronomy!
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- Away from astronomy, two couples also enjoyed a trip on a steam train during the week.
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They had a lovely time experiencing the journey together, adding another enjoyable activity to their stay at Kelling Heath.
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Fish & Chips!
It’s the crispy batter, flaky fish, fluffy chips, and that magical touch of
salt and vinegar that make fish & chips irresistibly tasty!
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Sharing experiences!
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- The gathering was not just about astronomy and learning; it was also about friendship, sharing experiences, and bringing the deaf community together through a common passion. The workshops, telescope observations, visits from fellow deaf astronomy enthusiasts, and other activities created wonderful opportunities to exchange knowledge and build connections.
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Alex!
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- Many congratulations to Alex on winning the raffle and claiming the first-prize telescope, generously donated by The Widescreen Screen.
o - The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope is an excellent entry-level telescope that is easy to pick up and use right from the get-go.
o - The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope is a beginner-friendly telescope that is excellent for viewing the Moon, planets, star clusters, and bright deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).
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Overall
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- Our week at Kelling Heath was a fantastic experience filled with learning, friendship, and the wonders of the universe. From the fascinating workshops and spectacular telescope views to sharing the Northern Lights with deaf visitors and enjoying other activities, there was plenty to make this gathering truly special.
- It was a wonderful week of astronomy, friendship, and shared experiences. We look forward to meeting again under the stars!
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Next year!
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2027 BDAA – Autumn Equinox Sky Camp
Monday 27th September – Monday 4th October 2027
Unfortunately, One week is now fully booked
and we are unable to accept any further bookings for that date.
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If you would like to be added to the waiting list,
please email us on derek@derekscope.co.uk, and we will contact you should a place become available.
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Thank you….
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- Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make it a success!
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Derek Rowley
British Deaf Astronomical Association
Co-Ordinator Events
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