Astronomia

This is an historic descriptive entry for Astronomia, which traded from 2008 until 2015. Astronomia was Surrey's only dedicated High Street Astronomy Centre during its early years. We stocked telescopes, binoculars, books and accessories for astronomers of all levels. As authorised dealers for Celestron, Sky-Watcher, Vixen and all major UK brands, we offered expert advice from staff who were all experienced astronomers themselves. In addition to astronomical telescopes, we stocked a wide range of binoculars from starter models to high-end European optics, as well as a large range of accessories and books. Astronomia also offered a range of educational activities, from our famous "Newbies Nights" in which we trained over 1000 beginner astronomers to use their new equipment, to astrophotography courses and general introductions to astronomy. Astronomia was well known both for supporting and running events around the country. A regular feature at all the large astronomy shows (Astrofest, IAS, North West Astronomy Show), Astronomia also supported a wide range of other groups, and became a fixture at the FAS Annual Convention, the BAA's meetings and many other groups' and societies' events. Astronomia's own "Stars in the Park" event in Dorking town centre attracted crowds of over 1200 people in 2014 and our Leith Hill Astronomy Festival, though a one-off, will be remembered by many. In 2014 Astronomia closed its original Dorking High Street store and moved to Rusper near Horsham, where we traded from barn-conversion premises until our closure in April 2015.