Which Astronomy Event Is For You?

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Discover More About Our Family Events

With stargazing at home on the rise, we understand it can be daunting if you're just starting out. Telescopes or binoculars? What is a star? What is a light year? How do I use star charts... 

Our team of Astronomers are here to help you get started with the basics, suitable for all the family, these events are designed to inspire children aged 7-12 with our fun and interactive learning experience. These events include Young Explorers and Space Kids, one of our most popular events for parents and their young scientists.

Using our state of the art facilities we will set you on a journey of discovery, and if it's clear we will use our big telescopes to observe the sky, and if not then we have the technology to bring it alive.

Aimed to be fun and interesting to everyone, parents and older siblings will also discover lots of interesting facts about the universe and these are the only events that offer reduced family tickets (inc. two adults and two children). 

Please be aware that all children under 16 yrs must be accompanied by an adult, all of whom must have a ticket to attend.

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Discover More About Our Main Events

These are our main evening events which are aimed at all levels of knowledge and experience and ideally ages from 8yrs upwards and last 3 hours. The difference between our events is the subject of the 45 min presentation that we provide during the event, for example: Aurora Night, Origins of the Universe & The Secret Lives of Stars.

We have large aperture telescopes in each of our two turrets, and some smaller portable telescopes on the viewing deck. The guests are rotated so they get the opportunity to use each telescope as well as a tour of our specialist observatory, the Gillian Dickinson Astro-imaging Academy – with its suite of instruments aimed at imaging the universe.

Observations depend on the weather of course, and if observing isn't possible our science team have a well-rehearsed bad weather programme involving other interactive activities.

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Discover More About Our Event Late Night Discovery

Our weekend late night events are our premium events and take place during the most popular timing late at night on Fridays, Saturdays and some Thursdays, they are called Late Night Discovery. Guests receive a free star chart to take home, a 10% discount in our gift shop and this is the only event where we offer a 20% discount off a future visit if no observing is done during the event.

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Discover More About Our Specialist Events

Astro Photography

Imaging the night sky is an increasingly popular pastime and this event is aimed at those who'd like to learn more about this fascinating hobby - we'll give advice on what equipment to use, where to go for great nightscape shots, when are the best times to capture images, etc. Many of our team are very keen astrophotographers and take the imagery we use on our website, social media and range of merchandise. Whatever your previous experience, it will be an opportunity to meet likeminded people and swap tips and advice. No experience is necessary although we recommend bringing a DSLR camera and tripod to get the most out of the event.

Introduction to Astronomy 

After the increase in awareness amongst the public for all things astronomical, it's apparent that stargazing at home is on the rise. However, it can be daunting... Telescope or binoculars? What is a star? What is a light year? How do I use star charts? There's so much to consider, so where do you start?

Well fear not, our experienced team of astronomers are here to help get you started with the basics.  Suitable for all ages these events usually take place each Wednesday from 5 to 7pm and are designed to inspire with interactive learning experiences including introduction to the usage of telescopes, why we use them, how they work and a little of the history of discoveries thanks to these instruments.

Relaxed Astronomy

These events are designed specifically for those that may need a calmer and more flexible environment in which to learn. 

Usually held on the first Monday of each month they 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.