
Adults Exclusive Stargazing & Planetarium Experience
March 25 2023: Reserved exclusively for adults only, this Stargazing Evening includes 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 (or one of our observatory domes). 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. You can arrive at The Centre from 6.30pm onwards regardless of the time you have booked for your planetarium show. The Centre closes at half past midnight.
Do dress up warmly and wear sensible footwear.
IMPORTANT: The planetarium shows will be at 8pm, 9pm and 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 serves:
- Burger and Fries (£6.50)
- Cheeseburger and Fries (£7)
- Falafel burger and fries (vegetarian/vegan) (£7)
- Frankfurter and fries (£5)
Gates open from 6.30pm and you will be able to purchase food from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. You do not have to wait until your allocated planetarium time slot to come into The Centre but please make sure however that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your allocated planetarium slot as we will be unable to transfer you to another time. Gates close at 9pm.
If you would like to pre-order your food then please phone The Centre on 01323 832731 and you can pre-pay using a debit or credit card. This will save time on the evening and will avoid disappointment if any of the choices sell out.
A bar will be available in the cafe where you can also purchase hot drinks and snacks.
Booking Essential
You may book online using Paypal 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 Gift Ticket page to purchase and find the terms and conditions.
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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 and 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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Health & Safety Information
WARNING! 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 and wear sensible footwear. However, we strongly encourage people not to use white light torches especially in the domes as this destroys night vision, therefore we would ask you to use red light torches if you have one. We also recommend warm clothing.
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
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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 3 – 15 Stirling Road, Acton, London. W3 8DJ. UK.