Welcome to The Observatory Science Centre

Spectacular Science

4.30pm-8.30pm: Join us for a fabulous family afternoon/early evening event. Enjoy all the exhibits indoors and outside and immerse yourself in an 'out of this world' experience in a fantastic planetarium show. Admission price includes a portion of fries!

2 July 2022: 'Herschel to Hawkwind'. This evening is dedicated to music and space. It will include a talk by Space Rock Bassist and astronomer, Peter Williamson, a sing song and Pete playing Bass at the end.

Come and enjoy the fabulous atmosphere that surrounds the Observatory at night and, weather permitting look through some of the largest telescopes in the country at some extraordinary night sky objects. Don't worry if it is cloudy we have a cloudy night contingency.

13th August 2022. As Earth passes through the debris trail left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle, particles of space dust enter the atmosphere leaving a trail of light behind; a shooting star. Join us for an informative talk to learn more about this fascinating yearly event. If the weather is good you will also have the opportunity to view through the historic telescopes.

September 2-4: The Astronomy Festival is back in full for 2022! Whether for a day or for the whole weekend come and join us and soak up the fantastic atmosphere of our fabulous Science Centre and Observatory. Lots of fun for families and keen astronomers alike!

15 September to 6 October: This 4 week course will introduce you to the Solar System including the Sun, Earth, Moon, planets (including their moons) and other minor bodies. The course is suitable for those with a basic understanding of science but little or no knowledge of the subject is required.

A fantastic opportunity to learn how to navigate your way around the night sky using the constellations as your guide. Taught in one of our domes under the backdrop of a historic telescope and outside under the stars, you will learn how to recognise star patterns and find out more about the mythologies behind them.

This new 4 week course is just above beginner level, aimed at those with a basic understanding of astronomy. It will go beyond our Solar System and introduce you to stars, galaxies and cosmology.

12th November 2022. The debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle gives rise to the Leonids meteor shower. Join us for a warming curry and informative talk before heading out to try and spot some meteors (shooting stars). If the weather is good you will also have an opportunity to look through an historic telescope; we have some of the largest working telescopes in the country.

The course is a mix of classroom based teaching in one of the domes and practical hands-on teaching outdoors so you can learn how to use your telescope. Members of East Sussex Astronomical Society will guide you through setting up your telescope and getting the best out of it. Weather permitting they will also start you on your way to viewing the night sky.