Stargazing Evenings
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.
Next Date: 12th October 2024Star Search Course
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.
Next Date: 14th October 2024Astronaut Academy
Tuesday 29 October 2024: Half day workshop for either ages 6 - 8 years or 9-11 years. What does it take to become an astronaut? We will investigate with some exciting activities to discover the challenges faced when reaching space.
Next Date: 29th October 2024Earth & Beyond Twilight
Wednesday 30 October 2024: Twilight workshop for 9-11 years. What makes volcanoes blow, the Earth quake and the icecaps melt? What is in space and how do we know? This workshops looks at our dynamic Earth and how we look beyond Earth into space using a telescope. If the weather is clear we may even get to look at the magnificent Moon and the planet.
Next Date: 30th October 2024Back to Basics Astronomy: a practical approach
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.
Next Date: 7th November 2024Telescope Clinic for Adults
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.
Next Date: 10th November 2024Leonids Shooting Stars
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.
Next Date: 16th November 2024Seasonal Celebration by Starlight
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).
Next Date: 6th December 2024