Winter Comets and Curry

The Leonid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the deris trail left behind by comet Tempel-Tuttle. These meteors are very fast (travelling at about 44 miles per second) and often leave persistent trains behind them. The peak activity is the evening of the 17th and pre-dawn hours of the 18th November when you may see about 10 meteors per hour. While we are just before the peak you should be able to still see a good few meteors. The natural limits of the shower are 6th - 30th November. The phase of the Moon is a waning crescent which means there will be no Moon during the event, making it easier to spot the meteors.

The Taurids shower marks the time when the Earth passes through the dust trail of comet Encke. The debris left behind by comet Enke is the largest in the inner solar system and it takes several weeks for the Earth to pass through this trail giving an extended period of activity; 20th October - 10th December. The peak activity for the Taurids is on the 12th November but given the protracted period of activity you may see meteors from comet Enke too. 

While we don't use the telescopes to spot meteors, if the weather does permit you will get a chance to look at some other interesting celestial objects through the large telescopes.

The evening aims to be both informal and informative with a talk presented by a guest speaker. Following the talk, if the weather is nice and clear you will have the opportunity to try and spot some fast moving meteors with the unaided eye and look through the telescopes at other interesting celestial objects. If the weather is unsuitable for viewing, the main talk will go ahead regardless and a comprehensive exclusive tour of the telescopes will replace viewing. During this part of the evening you will move around The Centre in smaller groups, visiting the domes and lawns where you will have the opportunity to speak to the astronomers.

If you are attending with others who have booked separately and you would like to be seated together and put in the same group, please let us know in advance because the groups are arranged prior to the event.

There is a meat or vegetarian curry but there is no alternative menu to the curry. The curry will be served with rice, naan bread and poppadoms.  

Itinerary for the evening (subject to change at short notice):

• 6.15pm: gates open. You will be issued with a coloured itinerary and map. The colour denotes the group that you will be divided into for viewing after the talk.
• 6.30pm: You will need to be in your seats for the curry. 
• GATES CLOSE AT 6.30pm
• 8.00pm - 9.00pm: Talk 
• 9.00pm - 11.30pm: Groups will be taken to each area for viewing (weather permitting). You will be in each area for approximately 30 minutes before moving on to the next area (this will be clearly marked on your coloured itinerary).
• 11.30pm: Centre closes 

We DO NOT cancel this event if the weather is unsuitable for viewing.

Numbers are limited to 80 (age 18+ only), so book early to secure your place. 

ADULTS ONLY. Please note that we reserve the right to refuse entry, without refund, if under 18s are brought to this event.

Booking essential

You may book online using Stripe. If you are unable to book online  you can make a booking over the phone using a credit or debit card please telephone 01323 832731 to secure your place(s).

If you are looking for a present then you can purchase a Gift Ticket package for this event here. Please note the Gift Ticket package includes a notebook and pen so the price of the Gift Ticket is different to the one shown on this page.

By booking this event you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of our Refund/Transfer/Cancellation policy.

Please wear warm clothing and sensible footwear and bring a torch, preferably red light. The Centre, has been built on different levels with high walkways and steps, please be very careful when walking around The Centre especially in the hours of darkness.

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.