Adults Exclusive Stargazing & Planetarium Experience
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.
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Come and enjoy the fabulous atmosphere that surrounds the Observatory at night; it is a completely different experience!
This evening includes a presentation in our large inflatable planetarium. This means that you don't have to worry about the clouds! However, if the weather is clear you will also be able to view through the telescopes and look at some fascinating night sky objects.
The planetarium will not accommodate everyone at one time so there will be 3 shows during the evening to make sure everyone engages with this fantastic experience. Shows will be at: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm.
You can arrive at The Centre from 7pm-8pm regardless of the time you have booked for your planetarium show. However, gates close at 8pm so you must arrive before 8pm. The event finishes at half past midnight.
Please make sure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your allocated planetarium slot as we will be unable to transfer you to another time.
Do dress up warmly and wear sensible footwear.
IMPORTANT: The planetarium shows will be at 8pm,9p, &10pm. If you are booking online then please state which planetarium show you would like to attend in the special requirements section. Please note that if the session you have requested has already been filled then you will be notified by email and you will be allocated another session.
There is an option to purchase hot food from our Launch Box catering unit. The Launch Box will be open from 7pm - 9pm. The Launch Box serves (subject to change):
- Burger and Fries
- Cheeseburger and Fries
- Falafel burger and fries (vegetarian/vegan)
- Frankfurter and fries
If you would like to eat with us then you are able and encouraged, to pre-book over the phone using a debit or credit card before the event. Please call us on 01323 832731. This will save time on the evening and will avoid disappointment if any of the choices sell out.
The cafe will be open where you can purchase hot/cold drinks and snacks.
Booking Essential
You may book online using Stripe or over the phone. To make a booking over the phone using a credit or debit card please telephone 01323 832731 to secure your place(s).
Gift Tickets are available for this event. Please check the online shop where you can purchase the Gift Ticket package.
Gift Ticket terms and conditions can be found on the FAQs page.
By booking this workshop you agree to abide by our refund/cancellation policy.
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Availability of the Telescopes
Not all the historic telescopes are operational but we usually open Dome D and Dome E. Have a look at Our Telescopes to find out more about the historic instruments.
Viewing is always subject to weather conditions. We do not cancel the evening if the weather is unsuitable for viewing. There will be astronomers in the domes to chat to so you can ask those burning questions.
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Important Information regarding Accessibility
While the Centre makes every effort to accomodate wheel chair users and others with mobility issues, by virtue of the nature of the building (grade II* listed), the telescopes are accessed by steep narrow stairs.
If you require further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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Additional Information
Please wear warm clothing and sensible footwear. Our site is very dark and we keep lighting to a minimum to preserve night vision and make sure you have the best possible experience in terms of viewing the night sky. This inevitably means that there are areas that are dimly lit or very dark. With high walkways, ramps and steps throughout The Centre you need to take great care when moving around. Please bring a torch, preferably red light. We strongly encourage people not to use white light torches especially in the domes as this destroys night vision.
While the Centre makes every effort to accomodate wheel chair users and others with mobility issues, by virtue of the nature of the building (grade II* listed), the telescopes are accessed by steep narrow stairs. If you require further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.
If using Sat Nav, please use ‘Wartling Road’ and NOT our postcode.
PARKING: There is ample free parking on the grassed car park in front of The Centre.If you are a blue badge holder, there are 5 parking bays available at the back of the science centre, adjacent to our ramped entrance. Please note that by virtue of the historic nature of the building, the domes are accessed by steep narrow stairs.
Please do not bring laser pointers into The Centre. Our staff and volunteers do use laser pointers as teaching aids but they adhere to strict rules and regulations about their use within The Centre and therefore they are controlled. Laser pointers can be dangerous especially if misused.
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Adults Exclusive Stargazing & Planetarium Experience Enquiry
Please complete the form below:
The Observatory Science Centre is part of Science Projects Ltd, a company limited by guarantee registered in England No: 02186073 and a registered charity No: 298542. The registered office is Unit 1 Warren Farm, Steventon, Basingstoke, Hampshire UK, RG25 3BL.