Welcome to The Observatory Science Centre

Spectacular Science

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.

This 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 local Astronomy Societies 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. Spring and Autumn dates available.

16 November 2024. The debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle gives rise to the Leonids meteor shower and the debris trail left behind by comet Encke gives rise to the Taurid meteor shower. Join us for an 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.

6 December 2024: Come and join us as we celebrate the joyous festive season with Santa and festive music plus viewing the stars (weather permitting).

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. Spring and Autumn dates are available.

This 4 week course is a basic introduction to astronomy. It is aimed at beginners in astronomy and approaches the subject in a practical way; helping you visualise the wonders of our solar system and beyond.

This course will be teaching practical aspects of night sky photography through lectures and demonstrations. You do not need to bring cameras, tripods or telescopes just listen and learn and take away all the essential information you will need to start you on your fascinating journey into night sky photography. Image courtesy of John Fox. Spring and Autumn dates are available.

March 22 & September 20 2025: Reserved exclusively for adults only, these Stargazing Evenings include an opportunity to experience a fantastic planetarium presentation. Weather permitting you will also be able to look through some of the largest telescopes in the country and translate what you see in the planetarium onto the night sky.

April 19 2025. The debris left behind by the comet Thatcher gives rise to the April Lyrids meteor shower. Join us for an informative talk and some meteor (shooting stars) spotting. If the weather is good you will also have an opportunity to look through the historic telescopes, some of the largest working telescopes in the country.

5.30pm-9.30pm: 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.

9 August 2025. 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.