Centaurus

Centaurus A is the Nijmegen branch of the Royal Netherlands Association for Weather and Astronomy (KNVWS), bringing together people interested in astronomy, cosmology, and meteorology. The association shares knowledge with a broad audience through a programme of lectures, observing sessions, and excursions. Lectures are usually held about once a month on Wednesday evenings at Radboud University and are open to non-members free of charge. Speakers include professionals from research institutions as well as knowledgeable enthusiasts.

Centaurus A also arranges occasional visits to planetariums, observatories, museums, conferences, and other astronomy-related destinations. At least twice a year, members can take part in observing evenings using the university’s 35-centimetre Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and 20-centimetre Littrow refractor. When weather prevents observing, participants can exchange the results of their own observations. Special opportunities may include viewing meteor showers, eclipses, comets, planetary transits, or near-Earth objects. In collaboration with Radboud University’s astronomy department and the Astronomical Circle Nijmegen, members also help provide public tours of the university telescope domes.