You can bring your group to The Centre after our normal visitor hours for an atmospheric Twilight Visit and we will open just for you: all we ask is that there a minimum of 20 paying visitors in your group.
If you have a small group then you can still visit during our dedicated Uniformed Twilight Weeks in June (Science) & November (Astronomy).
With three of the telescopes restored to working order, if you wish your Twilight Visit can concentrate on astronomy. Tour the domes as the astronomers would have done and, with favourable weather conditions, you will actually view through a telescope.
We take bookings from February to November, but if your main interest is viewing through the telescopes then bookings are best between October - March when it is dark by late afternoon / early evening.
The following is a suggested programme, but we will tailor the visit to suit your own arrival and departure times (also according to the size of the group):
If you arrive in daylight you will initially explore the outdoor exhibits (weather permitting) and move indoors as the light fades.
Food in our Cafe
The group will then be led by members of science centre staff for an atmospheric tour of the domes. If weather conditions are favourable you will view through a telescope.
Groups can also book to incorporate any of the activity badges into the programme.
Cost
£10.75 per person (includes catering) minimum charge for 20.
Adults are admitted free of charge to the normal ratios: catering £4.50 if required.
Meal consists of jacket potato with filling, piece of fruit, cake, drink. Alternatives can be discussed.
Visit The Centre for your regular meeting times and explore the hands-on exhibits for a fun science evening with the extra option of booking activities / worksheets that can contribute towards Activity Badges.
We take bookings from February to November, but if your main interest is viewing through the telescopes then bookings are best between October - March when it is dark by late afternoon / early evening.
The following is a suggested programme, but we will tailor the visit to suit your own arrival and departure times (and also according to the size of the group):
If you arrive in daylight you will initially explore the outdoor exhibits (weather permitting) and move indoors as the light fades.
You will then explore the indoor hands-on exhibits and, if you have booked badgework, groups will participate in specific activities and complete worksheets etc.
Cost
£5.25 per child, minimum charge for 20.
plus £1 for badgework (optional).
A fantastic opportunity for all uniformed groups to visit after regular hours in the summer.
Activity, science show and interactive exhibits can contribute towards experiment, scientist and investigator Activity Badges.
Book to arrive any time from 5 pm. and depart any time up to 9 pm.
The science show perfomance will last approx. 40 minutes.
The activity session will last approx. 45 minutes.
You will also have opportunity to explore the interactive exhibits in the main corridor.
Outside exhibit areas will be open weather permitting.
The shop and café will be open.
Catering can be pre-booked (additional charge).
Cost: £7.25 per child to include science show and activity, alongside the interactive exhibits.
Uniformed leaders are admitted free of charge. Essential carers for children within the group are also admitted free of charge.
Young Leaders, additional adults and non- scouting children accompanying the group are admitted at the reduced rate of just £6.25 pp.
Pre-booking essential and numbers are limited.
There is no minimum group size but children must be accompanied and supervised by uniformed leaders from their group. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safe conduct of their group at all times.
Your activities will be planned within the arrival / departure times your groups requires.
You do not need to be on site all evening unless you choose to do so.
A fantastic opportunity for all uniformed groups to visit during twilight hours. Activities, telescope tour and planetarium presentation can contribute towards astronomy / stargazer / space Activity Badges.
Book to arrive any time from 5 pm. and depart any time up to 9 pm.
The planetarium presentation will last approx. 30 minutes.
The tour and activity sessions will last approx. 45 minutes.
Actual night sky observing is subject to weather conditions.
You will also have opportunity to explore the interactive exhibits in the main corridor.
Outside exhibit areas will be closed.
The shop and café will be open.
Catering can be pre-booked (additional charge).
Cost: £7.25 per child to include telescope tour, activity and presentation in our inflatable planetarium.
Uniformed leaders are admitted free of charge. Essential carers for children within the group are also admitted free of charge.
Young leaders, additional adults and non- scouting children accompanying the group are admitted at the reduced rate of just £6.25 pp.
Pre-booking essential and numbers are limited.
There is no minimum group size but children must be accompanied and supervised by uniformed leaders from their group.
Accompanying adults are responsible for the safe conduct of their group at all times.
Your activities will be planned within the arrival / departure times your groups requires. You do not need to be on site all evening unless you choose to do so.
Twilight Visits require particular regard for Health and Safety, especially if the entire visit is after sunset. Risk Assessments are available for all activities.
Everyone should wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
For astronomy evenings you may like to bring a torch if you have one; preferably red light for astronomy, but not essential.
The temperature can drop rapidly at night and there is no heating in the telescope domes.
The visit will proceed regardless of weather conditions and viewing through a telescope is not guaranteed. The telescopes cannot see through cloud, nor can they be set up quickly if there is a brief gap in the clouds.
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The Observatory Science Centre is operated by 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.
