Our Moon

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.