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BBC Sky at Night
The BBC Sky at Night team have filmed the whole of the next episode here at The Observatory Science ...
read more » 14th May 2013 11:40
We're recruiting
We have the following seasonal, part time vacancies: Weekend assistant Weekday assistant Job de...
read more » 29th Apr 2013 18:17
Calling all Teachers- Limited Places Available!
On Friday 12th April The Centre will be the venue for an astronomy themed Teacher Training Workshop ...
read more » 4th Apr 2013 13:46
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 | 17 Photos
The Observatory at night and viewing through the Centre's historic telescopes
CURRENT MOON

Normal Admission price applies unless otherwise stated.

Please note that Open Evenings are run as separate events to a daytime visit and therefore your daytime receipt is NOT valid for the evening and you are unable to stay in The Centre. However, if you have visited during the day when there is an Open Evening and you would like to return for the evening session then we are offering a special discounted rate of just £5 per person (only valid on production of a receipt purchased on the same day).

Times: 6.30pm - 11pm (unless otherwise stated)


 11 & 12 January    Friday and Saturday Open Evenings for BBC Stargazing LIVE
 
 15 February

    FRIDAY: Asteroid Watch! Near Earth Asteroid 2012 DA14
 16 February    Open Evening 
 23 February    Family Special Offer for Half Term 
    1 child admitted FREE with each paying adult 
 9 March   Open Evening
 16 March    Family Special Offer for National Science Week
    1 child admitted FREE with each paying adult
 6 April    Open Evening (8pm - 12.30am)
 
 17th May

    FRIDAY: Open Evening Culture 24 'Museums at Night' weekend
    (8pm - 12.30am)
 
 9th August

    FRIDAY: Open Evening for Perseids Meteor Shower 
    (8pm - 12.30am)
 6 September     FRIDAY: Astronomy Festival Open Evening 
 7 September     Astronomy Festival Open Evening 
 21 September     Open Evening 
 5 October     Open Evening  
 26 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) 
 
  2 November

   Open Evening
 
  8 November 

   FRIDAY: Open evening for the Taurids Meteor Shower
 23 November   Open Evening 
 13 December    FRIDAY: 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.


 
 18 May

    Cheese and Wine evening for Culture  24 'Museums at Night'
 
 13 July

    An evening with the Herschel Ensemble
 10 August     Perseids Meteor Shower Cheese & Wine Supper 
 9 November          Comets and Curry
 


Red Light Torches
Our gift shop sells two types of red light torch, both of which are suitable for astronomy. The Microlight LED Keyring which retails at £7.50 and the Flashlight LED Torch which retails at £11.