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stdClass Object ( [id] => 232 [title] => Vacancy - Astronomer and Science Communicator (Full Time 37.5 hrs) [alias] => astronomer-and-science-communicator-part-time-full-time [introtext] =>

We are recruiting!

We're searching for our next Astronomers and Science Communicators!

We are once more expanding our team.  As we continue to deliver exceptional experiences and develop a wide range of new programmes, we are looking to recruit a full time (37.5 hrs) Astronomer and Science Communicator

 

KOASTrail2 1040x500

About Us

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical public outreach charity located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, under some of the darkest skies in Europe.  A clear sky at Kielder is truly special: the air is crisp, the silence is bewitching, the stars are mesmerising.  It is a reminder of how lucky we are to be alive on this tiny little planet near one of the billions of stars in one of the billions of galaxies that exist in the known universe. With the inspiration from our skies and the strength of a passionate team, we deliver a truly unique Kielder moment that can transform people's lives.  We have hosted thousands of events at the observatory since we opened in 2008.  We also run one of the most significant school programmes in the North East of England as well as delivering events and activities in prisons, hospitals, community centres, hotels and other venues across the UK and now globally.  More information about our mission, vision, values and future plans can be found here https://kielderobservatory.org/the-observatory/vision

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from everyone with an interest in and knowledge of astronomy. Passion for astronomy and engaging the public is at the core of what we look for in our team.  Formal qualifications are not essential, it's more important to demonstrate the ability to communicate your enthusiasm for, and knowledge of the universe to a wide range of audiences.  We have a diverse team and are interested in different lived experiences.  

What will you be doing?

We are a small, focused team and as part of our science communication crew, you will be focused on taking part in delivering events to the public in a range of settings, from the Observatory to schools and venues across the region and beyond, as well as online via various streaming services, although much of your work schedule will be on site at Kielder.

You will take part in the delivery of observatory tours and star gazing, give talks and other activities which call for great public speaking, communication and performance skils, driven from passion and enthusiasm for the topic.

Most events run in the evenings at the observatory and sometimes end beyond midnight, while school activiites take place during the daytime and other activities can take place at varied times.  You would be scheduled appropriately in advance through our staff rota.

You will also have the opportunity to work on other content for production and science communication.  Whether that be written content, video production using our in-house equipment, taking part in our monthly podcast, or production materials for our social media channels.

We welcome an active appetite to grow and learn and encourage our whole team to regularly take part in continuing professional development with an individual yearly budget to do so, in addition of up to 10% allocated time from your schedule.

If you are interested in helping inspire people from all walks of life with the wonders of our universe, we look forward to hearing from you

 

Please download the Job Description for full details of the role and apply by Midnight 2nd February 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Pye (Director of Astronomy and Science Communication) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you have any access requirements regarding making an application, please just let us know

To apply you can either:

  • Send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than 1 side of A4) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Or submit your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and supporting statement via video (maximum 2 minutes for supporting statement video) using this link: Video Application (Upload Here)

Job Description and Person Specification: Astronomer & Science Communicator 

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We are recruiting!

We're searching for our next Astronomers and Science Communicators!

We are once more expanding our team.  As we continue to deliver exceptional experiences and develop a wide range of new programmes, we are looking to recruit a full time (37.5 hrs) Astronomer and Science Communicator

 

KOASTrail2 1040x500

About Us

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical public outreach charity located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, under some of the darkest skies in Europe.  A clear sky at Kielder is truly special: the air is crisp, the silence is bewitching, the stars are mesmerising.  It is a reminder of how lucky we are to be alive on this tiny little planet near one of the billions of stars in one of the billions of galaxies that exist in the known universe. With the inspiration from our skies and the strength of a passionate team, we deliver a truly unique Kielder moment that can transform people's lives.  We have hosted thousands of events at the observatory since we opened in 2008.  We also run one of the most significant school programmes in the North East of England as well as delivering events and activities in prisons, hospitals, community centres, hotels and other venues across the UK and now globally.  More information about our mission, vision, values and future plans can be found here https://kielderobservatory.org/the-observatory/vision

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from everyone with an interest in and knowledge of astronomy. Passion for astronomy and engaging the public is at the core of what we look for in our team.  Formal qualifications are not essential, it's more important to demonstrate the ability to communicate your enthusiasm for, and knowledge of the universe to a wide range of audiences.  We have a diverse team and are interested in different lived experiences.  

What will you be doing?

We are a small, focused team and as part of our science communication crew, you will be focused on taking part in delivering events to the public in a range of settings, from the Observatory to schools and venues across the region and beyond, as well as online via various streaming services, although much of your work schedule will be on site at Kielder.

You will take part in the delivery of observatory tours and star gazing, give talks and other activities which call for great public speaking, communication and performance skils, driven from passion and enthusiasm for the topic.

Most events run in the evenings at the observatory and sometimes end beyond midnight, while school activiites take place during the daytime and other activities can take place at varied times.  You would be scheduled appropriately in advance through our staff rota.

You will also have the opportunity to work on other content for production and science communication.  Whether that be written content, video production using our in-house equipment, taking part in our monthly podcast, or production materials for our social media channels.

We welcome an active appetite to grow and learn and encourage our whole team to regularly take part in continuing professional development with an individual yearly budget to do so, in addition of up to 10% allocated time from your schedule.

If you are interested in helping inspire people from all walks of life with the wonders of our universe, we look forward to hearing from you

 

Please download the Job Description for full details of the role and apply by Midnight 2nd February 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Pye (Director of Astronomy and Science Communication) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you have any access requirements regarding making an application, please just let us know

To apply you can either:

  • Send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than 1 side of A4) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Or submit your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and supporting statement via video (maximum 2 minutes for supporting statement video) using this link: Video Application (Upload Here)

Job Description and Person Specification: Astronomer & Science Communicator 

)

We are recruiting!

We're searching for our next Astronomers and Science Communicators!

We are once more expanding our team.  As we continue to deliver exceptional experiences and develop a wide range of new programmes, we are looking to recruit a full time (37.5 hrs) Astronomer and Science Communicator

 

KOASTrail2 1040x500

About Us

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical public outreach charity located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, under some of the darkest skies in Europe.  A clear sky at Kielder is truly special: the air is crisp, the silence is bewitching, the stars are mesmerising.  It is a reminder of how lucky we are to be alive on this tiny little planet near one of the billions of stars in one of the billions of galaxies that exist in the known universe. With the inspiration from our skies and the strength of a passionate team, we deliver a truly unique Kielder moment that can transform people's lives.  We have hosted thousands of events at the observatory since we opened in 2008.  We also run one of the most significant school programmes in the North East of England as well as delivering events and activities in prisons, hospitals, community centres, hotels and other venues across the UK and now globally.  More information about our mission, vision, values and future plans can be found here https://kielderobservatory.org/the-observatory/vision

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from everyone with an interest in and knowledge of astronomy. Passion for astronomy and engaging the public is at the core of what we look for in our team.  Formal qualifications are not essential, it's more important to demonstrate the ability to communicate your enthusiasm for, and knowledge of the universe to a wide range of audiences.  We have a diverse team and are interested in different lived experiences.  

What will you be doing?

We are a small, focused team and as part of our science communication crew, you will be focused on taking part in delivering events to the public in a range of settings, from the Observatory to schools and venues across the region and beyond, as well as online via various streaming services, although much of your work schedule will be on site at Kielder.

You will take part in the delivery of observatory tours and star gazing, give talks and other activities which call for great public speaking, communication and performance skils, driven from passion and enthusiasm for the topic.

Most events run in the evenings at the observatory and sometimes end beyond midnight, while school activiites take place during the daytime and other activities can take place at varied times.  You would be scheduled appropriately in advance through our staff rota.

You will also have the opportunity to work on other content for production and science communication.  Whether that be written content, video production using our in-house equipment, taking part in our monthly podcast, or production materials for our social media channels.

We welcome an active appetite to grow and learn and encourage our whole team to regularly take part in continuing professional development with an individual yearly budget to do so, in addition of up to 10% allocated time from your schedule.

If you are interested in helping inspire people from all walks of life with the wonders of our universe, we look forward to hearing from you

 

Please download the Job Description for full details of the role and apply by Midnight 2nd February 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Pye (Director of Astronomy and Science Communication) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you have any access requirements regarding making an application, please just let us know

To apply you can either:

  • Send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than 1 side of A4) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Or submit your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and supporting statement via video (maximum 2 minutes for supporting statement video) using this link: Video Application (Upload Here)

Job Description and Person Specification: Astronomer & Science Communicator 

stdClass Object ( [id] => 264 [title] => Vacancy - Chief Executive Officer [alias] => vacancy-chief-executive-officer [introtext] =>

Chief Executive Officer

We are looking to appoint an outstanding and inspirational leader as Chief Executive Officer with a vision for growth and impact

[fulltext] =>

We create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience moments of inspiration, revelation, wonder, and hope through observing the cosmos.

We aim to promote an interest in the science of astronomy, facilitating the education of the science of astronomy, and maintaining a world-class astronomical observatory in Kielder Forest in which these activities take place.

Our primary activity is public outreach, inspiring people with our love of the night sky. We do this via events at the Observatory, hosting thousands of people a year.

We also deliver one of the most significant STEM schools outreach programmes in the North East, visiting hundreds of schools and inspiring thousands of students every year and we provide pathways into STEM at all ages, with work placements, paid internships, teacher CPD, and a thriving volunteer programme.

Many of our staff (and our trustees) started as volunteers, and many have come to us straight from university.

 

Our current CEO has been in post for 3.5 years, successfully guiding Kielder Observatory through the pandemic, supporting a thorough review of our business processes and creating a happy, vibrant, high-profile and high-performing organisation poised for sustainable growth.

We expect our new CEO to build on this legacy, come to the role with a vision for growth and impact and have exceptional skills in:

  • Leadership: personal drive to maintain the organisation’s momentum and its culture of learning and continuous improvement.
  • Governance: as CEO of a charity, role modelling the Nolan principles and having experience with good governance.
  • Advocacy and networking: skilful navigation of and contribution to a complex stakeholder and partner landscape, to maintain and grow our profile and deliver mutual objectives.
  • Operational management: a sound understanding of all aspects of regulatory requirements, from facilities management to H&S to HR tov budgets and more.
  • Strategic judgement: ability to foresee risks and outcomes and exercise good judgement and entrepreneurial flair in choosing courses of action.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the post’s primary purpose is to fulfill the vision, mission, and charitable objects of Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, implementing the agreed strategy, leading the team, supporting the Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and regulatory compliance, and overseeing the efficient operation of KOAS’s events, arts, education, and science programmes, and other activities as they arise.

 

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000

Benefits: Car Allowance, Flexible Working

Terms: Permanent Contract

Location: Prestwick Park, Newcastle upon Tyne (hybrid)

 

Peter Standfield

Chair of Board of Trustees

 

Apply Now

If you would welcome the opportunity to apply, please go to The Hiring Department 

You will need;

A CV outlining your career history, achievements, and academic and professional qualifications.

A supporting statement (maximum 2 x A4 pages) demonstrating your motivation, skills, and experience and any other information relevant to the role.

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd July

Preliminary Interviews: Thursday 13th & Friday 14th July

Final Panel Interviews: tbc

For an informal and confidential discussion, to ask a question on any aspect of the appointment process, or for additional information, please contact our advising consultant Philip Nelson on 020 3590 9978 or via email at philip.nelson@thehiringdept.com 

CEO Job Pack

 

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Chief Executive Officer

We are looking to appoint an outstanding and inspirational leader as Chief Executive Officer with a vision for growth and impact

)

Chief Executive Officer

We are looking to appoint an outstanding and inspirational leader as Chief Executive Officer with a vision for growth and impact

stdClass Object ( [id] => 97 [title] => Vacancy - Science Communicator [alias] => vacancy-science-communicator [introtext] =>

Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society (KOAS) is seeking an astronomer & science communicator

[fulltext] =>

Situated in the heart of the largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Park in Europe, Kielder Observatory is one of the leading public outreach observatories in the UK.  

Opened in 2008 to accommodate a few events a year, the Observatory is now open seven days a week, hosting up to 20,000 visitors a year (pre-COVID). 

The Observatory also runs highly successful programmes in schools and in arts and culture, and is about to launch several digital offers to reach even more people. 

Can you contribute to deliver that special Kielder Observatory moment? 

We are seeking a science communicator with a knowledge of astronomy and/or astrophysics to join our team.  We are happy to consider full time, part time or freelancers.  

Experience as an amateur astronomer and/or degree in a relevant topic is essential but more importantly we are looking for your love of the night sky and a deep motivation and ability to communicate that inspiration to the public. 

Employees have a generous benefits package, including private health insurance and 10% time to work on individual projects and self-development. There is potential for progression to a lead role.

Previous applicants are welcome to re-apply

Download the full job description and person spec here

If you feel that you have the necessary qualities needed for this role and would like to apply, please forward your CV along with a supporting letter (no more than one page) in support of your application and specifying your preference for full time, part time or freelance to catherine@kielderobservatory.org by midnight on 31st August 2021

First interviews will likely be by zoom w/c 6th September with subsequent visits to Kielder Observatory for the candidates shortlisted for a second interview. 

If you would like an informal discussion, please email Dan Pye, the Director of Astronomy and Science Communication on danpye@kielderobservatory.org 

 

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Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society (KOAS) is seeking an astronomer & science communicator

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Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society (KOAS) is seeking an astronomer & science communicator


Your Gateway to the Universe

Your Gateway to the Universe

Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the UK—a public astronomical observatory and educational charity offering something truly special for everyone.

Visit us and discover wonders beyond imagination, all set beneath the breathtaking skies of Europe’s largest Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park. Whether you’re a first-time stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, our much-loved team promises an unforgettable experience.

Last Minute Events

Late Night Discovery

Late Night Discovery

This event takes place at the darkest part of the night, presenting the best opportunity for stargazing in clear weather. Night owls is a phrase we often get described as working in Astronomy, it’s a hobby best served late at night. Our late-night events have been our most popular events for many years. Guiding you through your astronomical discovery, our team of enthused astronomers will impart knowledge and stories about what lays beyond Earth’s atmosphere, touring you around our facilities during which you will meet state of the art instrumentation used for observing the night skies. Whether virtually or physically, you will get hands on with astronomy, and our astronomers will guide your journey into the stars. You'll be taking part in activities along the way, and of course the opportunity to stargaze in one of Europe’s best places to do so, should the skies be clear. Why is Kielder such a special place to do astronomy? In the heart of the Northumberland, Kielder Water and Forest Park is rated as the largest gold tier dark skies park in Europe, making it one of the best places to observe the stars in the UK. Being far away from big towns and cities, means that when weather permits and depending on the moon phase, the sky can be awash with thousands of stars. When the skies are clear, using our large aperture robotic telescopes, we can reveal hidden objects which lay beyond our atmosphere and gaze deep into our cosmos. When the moon is in sight, craters, and mountain ranges on our only natural satellite. What happens if it's cloudy? On nights where weather does not permit observations, we use technology to help you visualise how things may have otherwise been seen, using immersive instruments which simulate observing through a telescope, and large screen night sky navigation, pre-captured images and videos. What does my ticket cost go towards supporting? Supporting these events helps us deliver our charitable objectives across all our science communication offers, including delivering workshops in Schools, working with vulnerable people, rehabilitation projects in prisons, engaging in creative arts and expression with refugees, and the rest of the work we deliver as a small team across not just the UK, but also the rest of the world. You as a contributor, visiting our events makes all this possible. The ticket price for this event reflects the cost of hosting these bespoke events and, however as the evening goes, we will strive to give you a first-class experience at the UK's premier public observatory!   How will my event run? ***Please note this is a structure that is changeable depending on the conditions of the night and the weather forecast. Stargazing is treated as a priority throughout the event where conditions allow.*** On arrival you will be guided down from the car park around 10 minutes prior to your event and welcomed into the main room where you will be seated with other guests for a welcome video and a short introduction talk from a member of the team. After this you will be taken on a tour of the facilities in 3 groups and rotated to visit all 3 stations. If weather permits, you will partake in structured observing in our 3 observing locations. If weather does not permit stargazing the tours will consist of pre-captured footage viewed through our state-of-the-art digital telescope, night sky software simulations and constellation hunting, and an introduction to space rocks where you will get hands on with the raw ingredients of our solar system from outer space. Hot drinks will be served during one of your tours during this event. At the end of the night, you will have a small amount of free time to continue observations should weather permit, speak to our astronomers, and ask them questions, visit the gift shop, take selfies with the telescope or revisit any of the activities you have taken part in throughout the night. As part of your ticket price, you will receive: 10% off in our gift shop A free star map 20% discount voucher for a future booking if no observing can take place   Information and literature are available to take away with you which covers many of the topics covered throughout this event.  ...

Tickets

From £45.00 per person

Next available event

Thursday 10th April

Origins of the Universe (WE)

Origins of the Universe (WE)

The Universe.  Unimaginably large, old and complex.  How did it all begin?  How long has it been around?  When will it end? From our earthly perspective, humans have sought for solutions to the very beginnings of it all, the stars and bodies within it and ultimately how the universe will end. Join us on a night where we will journey through space and time, out into the cosmos to unlock some of the mysteries our universe has to offer.  From our solar system to the large-scale structure of the universe and on to the Big Bang, we will explore our current perceptions of it and the important discoveries made along the way.  This cosmic voyage gives an excellent understanding of the physical universe as a whole and address what it means to exist within it, in a way which is interesting and accessible to all. During the evening we will guide you through the observatory, introduce you to the large aperture telescopes and give you guidance on how to use them.  If the skies are clear we will view objects in our own galaxy, some of which are beyond the realms of what the naked eye can see and which have shaped our understanding of the universe! You will also be treated to a hot drink of either tea, coffee or our famous hot chocolate as well as having the opportunity to support our charity further by taking home a memento of your visit to the observatory from our gift shop In the summer months we lose the darkness so we turn our attention to the brighter objects that are visible, such as craters on the moon, star clusters and atmospheric phenomena like night shining clouds, known as noctilucent clouds… Although star-gazing is the priority on all our events, our aim is to deliver a fantastic experience whatever the weather with the help of our team of experienced and passionate astronomers....

Tickets

From £35.00 per person

Next available event

Friday 11th April

Our Moon (WE)
Only 9 tickets left!

Our Moon (WE)

Our Moon is our nearest neighbour in space and has affected our everyday lives more than you may know.  For example, it has shaped our monthly calendar due to its orbital period, influenced the agricultural history on the earth, it created tides and stares at us in regular cycles. At over 2000 miles across and on average 240,000 miles away, it is the most recognised object in our night skies.  We have even been there many times and from 1969, 12 astronauts have walked on its surface. But how well do we really know it?  How did it form?  How long has it been there and how do we know? During this evening we will aim to challenge ourselves and understand our moon a little more.  Depending on observing conditions our large aperture telescopes will be able to see its most prominent craters, surface details you never knew existed and see your very shadow cast by it.  We will also help you take pictures with your mobile phones and all from this unique viewpoint.   And don't worry - if it's a cloudy night, we can use our radio telescope to still bring the moon to life for you. In the summer months we can still observe despite the lighter evenings, including brighter planets, binary star systems, beautiful star clusters and breathtaking noctilucent clouds. During the evening you will be treated to a hot drink of either tea, coffee or our famous hot chocolate as well as having the opportunity to support our charity further by taking home a memento of your visit to the observatory from our gift shop Although star-gazing is the priority on all our events, our aim is to deliver a fantastic experience whatever the weather with the help of our team of experienced and passionate astronomers. ...

Tickets

From £35.00 per person

Next available event

Saturday 12th April

Reviews & Testimonials

Our reviews are out of this world...

Such a wonderful place. I went on my birthday for Late Night Discovery and had a great time. The team are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We viewed Saturn, Jupiter, a dying star, loads of constellations like the Seven Sisters and...

Kate Brennan 6 months ago

Attended the Late Night Discovery event. Didn’t really know what to expect; it was absolutely fantastic! The team are so passionate and enthusiastic about imparting their abundance of knowledge, it really is captivating! 

Jason Grant 5 months ago

We had a walk up and were invited to tour the observatory. The staff are very passionate and very informative, we got to see sun spots through the telescope. 

Bill Thorkildsen 5 months ago

Loved this experience. Drive up lane is interesting in dark but fine. Staff brilliant, make great hot chocolate. Was lucky we had clear skies after the previous few days. 

Dawn Wright 3 months ago
The milkway over Kielder Observatory
Registered Charity No 1153570

Donate to Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory is a charity that exists to inspire, enthuse and educate the public about the wonders of the universe. Donating to us will help us reach more people and support their interest in astronomy. Your gift will help fund our work in schools, in the arts, our citizen science projects, getting out and about in the community and, of course, the work we do at the Observatory itself.

Latest News

Are Aliens Real?

Are Aliens Real?

Is anybody else out there? In this month's Ask An Astronomer, Science communicator and Astronomer James Claxton looks at one...

Read Time

10 minutes

What's Up? April 2025

What's Up? April 2025

After a very astronomically eventful March, we move swiftly into April meaning Spring is well and truly underway bringing with...

Read Time

5 minutes

What’s Up? March 2025

What’s Up? March 2025

In this month's What’s Up, astronomer Rosie talks us through March’s highlights. I don’t know about you, but I’m sure...

Read Time

6 minutes

Photography Prints

Andromeda Mounted Print

Andromeda Mounted Print

This picture was taken in the late Autumn of 2014, taken through the telescope with a DSLR camera....

£25.00

A clear night sky showcasing the Milky Way galaxy with vibrant stars and a bright planet, set above a modern building illuminated with red lighting.

Galactic Centre Rising

The galactic centre rising behind Kielder Observatory...

£25.00

Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse

The lunar eclipse on 21st January 2019 was an unforgettable sight. The whole observatory team stayed up until 6am to capture images of this amazing cosmic coincidence. A lunar eclipse is when the Earth is perfectly lined up in between the Sun and Moon. Earth’s shadow sweeps across the lunar surfaces causing the Moon to turn blood red....

£25.00

Winter Startrails

Winter Startrails

This was taken on a moonlit night to keep the observatory illuminated, the image is created by stacking a number of shots taken over a long period of time. This was shot using a 14mm lens, with 25 second exposures for 30 minutes. We can see how the stars appear to trail around one central point, our North Star (Polaris), as the Earth spins on its axis and Polaris stays still in its position directly above the North Pole....

£25.00

Colourful Startrails

Colourful Startrails

The clearest of skies allow for this amazing 'star trails' image, the rotating earth allows for these beautiful shapes and patterns to develop. Our eyes can never see the passage of time like this but the camera can....

£25.00

Workshops & Talks

Astro Photography

Astro Photography

Take home the ultimate souvenir of knowledge from Kielder Observatory by learning how award winning astrophotographers take images of the night sky. Modern day digital cameras have resulted in an explosion of popularity for night sky photography. By turning our lenses towards the night sky, we have helped our visitors realise just how capable they can be when shooting into darkness. To start the night, our friendly team of astronomers will deliver a talk, suitable for beginners through to professionals, and will provide the top tips required in order to capture stunning nightscapes of the Milky Way, Aurora Borealis, startrails and more. Furthermore, being situated in the heart of the Northumberland and Kielder Water’s Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, Kielder Observatory is the ideal destination for budding astrophotographers to learn, experiment and achieve quality results with their cameras. Weather permitting, the evening will include informal practical photography sessions, use of Kielder Observatory telescopes to observe the night sky, and then it’ll be time to warm up with a generous dose of our famous hot chocolate, tea or coffee, included in the price. The event will be heavily based on landscape astrophotography. We’d highly recommend you bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens and a tripod. It’s even possible to capture the stars using the camera on modern smartphones, so we could give that a try! Oh… And don’t forget to charge your batteries! You will also have the opportunity to support our charity further by taking home a memento of your visit from our gift shop. ...

Tickets

From £28.50 per person

Next available event

Sunday 27th April

An angular wooden building with a modern design, illuminated with red and yellow lights, set against a clear starry night sky.

Relaxed Astronomy

Our Relaxed Astronomy events are designed specifically for those that may need a calmer and more flexible environment in which to learn.   These events will inspire you in a safe, relaxed and unrestricted environment with quieter shows, smaller groups (max of 20 guests), safe clapping and a choice on how you choose to experience the wonders of the universe. Our red lighting will always remain on as you move around the building, brighter interior white lighting may be used in some of the rooms, our trained staff will be on hand to guide you around every aspect of your visit.  The event is much less structured than our other events. There will be a short introduction to the Observatory (15 mins), after which you will get to visit our observation turrets. If weather permits and we can observe, our Astronomers will invite you to look through one of our large aperture telescopes. You will also get to discover other interactive sessions which you can dip in and out of, such as; virtual navigation of the Night Sky with handheld tablets, discover pieces of our solar system in a hands-on meteorite activity. All stations will be set up around the observatory and you will be free to roam around, get involved with the activities as you like and absorb it all in your own way. A breakout space will be provided away from activities if required. Our Observatory is designed to make your experience, an engaging, educational time, so please do feel free to ask questions and take part in as much as you can to maximise your visit.  We continue to take into account the impact of Covid-19 for our visitors and work hard to ensure you feel comfortable and safe during your event.  At times our astronomers may talk to the group as a whole, it’s important that you feel comfortable throughout our event so talking and movement is welcome throughout, you’re never required to sit in silence for a long period of time.  Doors will open 20 mins before the beginning of the event, so you are welcome to enter and familiarise yourself with the area prior to the start time.  We hope these events will be helpful to those with sensory sensitivity....

Tickets

From £28.50 per person

Next available event

Monday 5th May

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium Shows

Private Events

Travel through the cosmos as we bring the wonder of the dark skies to you with our inflatable planetarium. Perfect for a group setting, our astronomers will guide you across the universe with these impressive shows...

Astronomy Workshops

Astronomy Workshops

Private Events

From meteorites to space exploration, planets to satellites and everything in between, our astronomer-lead workshops are the perfect way to engage with science and astronomy for schools and community groups. With practical hand-on learning, guided by an expert astronomer there is no better way to get to grips with astronomy...

Kielder Observatory Podcast

Kielder Observatory Podcast

The official monthly podcast from Kielder Observatory. If you've ever wondered what happens when you fall into a black hole, if intelligent life is watching us from other galaxies, or how the North East is at the forefront of the British Space programme, then you can find out more in this series!

Each month we also update you on the things to look out for in the night.

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