Welcome to The Observatory Science Centre

August 30th to September 1st: Soak up the incredible atmosphere that surrounds our fabulous observatory. Our annual event is incredibly warm and friendly and offers a magnificent opportunity to enjoy science and astronomy in a relaxed, informal setting, whether you are coming for the whole weekend, just for the day or for an evening.

September 9th - 13th: Are you looking for something a little different to stimulate your mind? Then this may be your opportunity to try something new. You are never too old to learn and we are actively encouraging a more senior audience to participate in our talks/activities throughout the week.

This twelve week course is for those with little or no knowledge of the subject. It will introduce you to our fascinating Universe; how we look at it, what is in it including the possibility of life elsewhere, how the Solar System formed etc. There may even be opportunities to look through one of the large telescopes. The course is taught in one of our domes under the backdrop of a historic telescope.

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; a fascinating planetarium style talk! No booking required.

6th October. 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.

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.

Half day workshops for 6 - 8 year olds: 'Eyes on the Universe' What's in space? Can we go there? Can we see it? How big is it? Is there anybody there? So many questions! Come and find out some of the answers by doing fascinating hands-on activities.

16th November. 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 the historic telescopes, 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.