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Blue Peter Badge Winners
The Centre is now listed as one of 200 places in the UK that admit badge winners free of charge. The...
read more » 28th Mar 2012 12:22
National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
Again our Cafe has scored an impressive 5 out of 5 during the recent EHO inspection. The primary ...
read more » 16th Mar 2012 11:03
Recruiting Now!
The Centre has part time, seasonal vacancies: Weekend staff, Cafe supply, and Maintenance. Job ...
read more » 12th Mar 2012 18:14
The Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux
Hailsham
East Sussex
BN27 1RN
Tel: 01323 832731
Fax: 01323 832741

Open Evenings


Are you interested in the night sky?  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to look at the stars, planets and the moon through some of the country's largest telescopes?  Well here is your opportunity!  Come and join us on our open evenings and take a glimpse of what it would have been like to use these amazing instruments.  This year our Open evenings will be held on selected Saturdays during winter, spring and autumn (unless otherwise stated). Click on the date in the table below for further details of the evening and what you are likely to see through the telescopes.

Viewing is subject to weather conditions. Please check the local weather before embarking on a long journey

Please note that some of the telescopes used on open evenings are not available to the public during the day and are only accessible by narrow steep stairs - please contact the centre for further details if required.

We recommend warm clothing for all evening events and please bring a torch. We strongly encourage people not to use white light torches especially in the domes as this destroys night vision, therefore we would ask you to use red light torches if you have one.

Open Evenings
Open Evenings
Created 13/10/2009 16:05 | 12 Photos
The Observatory at night and viewing through the Centre's historic telescopes
CURRENT MOON

Normal Admission price applies unless otherwise stated

No booking required

Time: 6.30pm – 11pm unless otherwise stated

2012

 20 & 21 January    Open Evening for BBC Stargazing LIVE
 11 February    Open Evening 
 18 February    Family Special Offer for Half Term 
    1 child admitted FREE with each paying adult 
 3 March   Close encounter with Mars
 17 March    Family Special Offer for National Science Week
    1 child admitted FREE with each paying adult
 31 March    Evening with the planets
 
 14 April

    Planet Watch: Close encounter with Saturn (8pm - 12.30am)
 
 18th May

    Open Evening as part of the Culture 24
    'Museums at Night' weekend
    (8pm - 12.30am)
 
 10th August

    Open Evening for Perseids Meteor Shower 
    (8pm - 12.30am)
 7 September     Astronomy Festival Open Evening 
 8 September     Astronomy Festival Open Evening 
 22 September     Open Evening 
 6 October     Open Evening  
 20 October     Open Evening
 27 October    Family Special Offer with Halloween Activities
    1 child admitted FREE with each paying adult
    Optional Halloween Activities £1 per child (2 years and up) 
 
 9 November 

   Open evening for the Taurids Meteor Shower
 24 November     Open Evening 
 14 December    Open Evening for Geminids meteor shower 

Because viewing is subject to weather conditions please phone the centre in advance to check the forecast if necessary. If the weather does not permit viewing and there are no visitors in the centre before 8pm, open evenings will be cancelled.

You may also be interested in our themed evenings which includes a speaker and supper before viewing through the telescopes. You need to pre-book for these events and they will go ahead despite the weather. However, a comprehensive telescope tour will take place if it is not suitable for viewing.


 
 19 May

    Cheese and Wine evening for Culture  24 'Museums at Night'
 11 August     Perseids Meteor Shower Cheese & Wine Supper 
 10 November         Comets and Curry