Stargazing Evenings

Stargazing Evenings are a fascinating way to experience the natural wonders of the night sky. It may be the Moon or the planets (if they are visible) or it may be deeper sky objects; looking through a telescope is awe inspiring! 

If the weather is not suitable to look through the telescopes (cloudy, rainy or foggy), we do not cancel Stargazing Evenings because we offer a cloudy night contingency plan. This is usually a planetarium style talk which in itself is a fantastic experience, immersing you in the Universe with explanations of what you are seeing and hopping across the sky to various objects. The telescope domes are also open and you can chat freely to the amateur astronomers and ask those burning questions you always wanted to find out about.

Stargazing evenings are suitable for families unless it is specifically an adults only evening. However, we would recommend that children are 7 years and older. They are not suitable for very young children or babies requiring pushchairs.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. If you have Gift Tickets and would like to redeem them against a Stargazing Evening then please phone The Centre on 01323 832731 to reserve your place(s). We will need the numbers on the back of the Gift Tickets to book you in.

If you are looking for a present then Gift Ticket packages are available for Stargazing Evenings (General Gift Ticket vouchers which are valid for either daytime or Stargazing Evening visits) from our online shop

Find out more about the availability of the telescopes and essential information regarding accessibility and safety. Please bring a torch.

Please note that while gates open at 6.30pm (unless otherwise specified i.e. August date will be from 8pm) you do not have to be there at 6.30pm. The evening is free flowing around The Centre and there are no set times for anything. If we do have to resort to the cloudy night contingency then there will be more than one talk and these usually do not start before about 7.30pm.

What will I see on Stargazing Evenings?

PLEASE NOTE: there are 2 more evenings at the beginning of September during the Astronomy Festival when we are open for viewing through the telescopes (weather permitting).