About Us
Who We Are
We are TRAC, a small amateur astronomy group based in Rainham, Kent, UK.
The TRAC team is united by a shared passion for astronomy and space science. Our members are keen to learn more about the practical and theoretical aspects of amateur astronomy. On clear nights, we can often be found outside gazing skyward, on the lookout for our next celestial target!
Keep reading to find out more about our club activities and projects.
What We Do
Our main activities include stargazing, lunar and planetary observations, satellite tracking, meteor and comet spotting, and viewing the Sun safely. We’ve also recently tried our hand at astrophotography.
- Stargazing
- Lunar Observations
- Planetary Observations
- Satellite Tracking
- Meteor Spotting
- Comet Hunting
- Solar Observations
- Astrophotography
We always strive to make the most of clear nights, and we aim to observe as many astronomical events as possible throughout the year.
- Read our latest Monthly Report to see what we've been up to recently.
- Read our latest Action Plan to find out what we're hoping to see soon.
Our Mission for 2025
Our main aim this year is to see the planet Neptune and improve our astrophotography skills. We've bought some new equipment to enhance the experience and give us the best chance of achieving our goal.
Our Journey (so far...)
TRAC was established on 25 Oct 2023. We've come a long way since then!
Although we are only beginners, so far this year we've been able to identify the brightest stars in the sky and the main seasonal constellations; plus, we've seen four five planets, two comets, the International Space Station, and dozens of meteors.
With our telescope, we have observed Jupiter and its four largest moons, Saturn and its iconic system of icy rings, and Mars. We were also fortunate enough to catch a rare glimpse of Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, 30 minutes after sunset at the end of March.
Image credit: JM/TRAC
The photo above shows the mighty gas giant Jupiter (the small dot at the top centre of the image) as it appeared to the naked eye on 26 Jan 2024.
The Moon is one of our favourite observation targets. We took the photo below on 05 Mar 2025. It shows the Moon close to its first quarter phase – a great time to view some lunar craters in detail.
Image credit: CL/TRAC
How We're Finding Things
We operate under difficult conditions due to the bad weather and light pollution. Astronomy is for people who are looking for a challenge. It can be hard work, yet it comes with a reward.
The outcome doesn't always go our way, but our perseverance pays off in the end. Despite a few setbacks (almost entirely due to the weather), we are keen to make the best out of what's possible.
If you are looking for a unique hobby, pay a visit to the astronomy club!
Image credit: JM/TRAC
(Thankfully, we have access to a much better telescope than the one found in the play area!)
Our Location
We're based in Rainham (Kent), near Gillingham (Kent), on the eastern edge of the Medway Towns.
Observing the galaxy from here can be very challenging.
Our latitude is approximately 51.5 degrees north, roughly in line with London.
Community Outreach
TRAC has plans to organise an event where people in the local community can come along and view the Moon through one of our telescopes. Stay tuned for more information!
Our astronomy club was recently contacted by teachers at a local primary school who asked to borrow some books about the Earth, Moon, Sun, and planets. We lent several age-appropriate astronomy books to help Year 5 pupils with their KS2 Solar System fact-finding project.
If you work with a school or community group in the local area that could benefit from access to books on astronomy and space science, we'd be happy to help out.
Please contact us by email to arrange to borrow relevant materials on a short-term basis.
Our Mascot
Zak is our mascot. He's a rare bengal cat who likes the outdoors.
Image credit: KK/TRAC (AI)
Zak never looks at the Sun without wearing special solar eclipse glasses. He knows it's important to protect his eyes.
Our Motto
"The longer you look, the more you see"
Our motto is designed to spark curiosity and capture the essence of astronomical observation. It encourages us to dedicate more time to exploring the night sky by reminding us that the universe always has more to reveal to those who are patient and observant.
Mottos are traditionally written in Latin, so here's a rough translation:
"Quo diutius aspicis, eo magis vides"