What to expect

Your visit will include a demonstration of our large Newtonian Telescope, a tour of our Radio Astronomy Centre, and a chance to look through our telescopes to view the Moon or other prominent objects visible at the time. An immersive planetarium show can be booked on the day for a small additional fee.

Our team will be available to answer your questions and guide you through your tour.

Activities include:

• Viewing the Moon and other astronomical objects through our main telescope and a variety of smaller telescopes owned by the observatory or our members (weather permitting).
• Planetarium show of approximately 20 minutes (additional cost on the day)
• Visit to the radio astronomy centre (currently closed for refurbishment)
• Find your way around the night sky visible with the naked eye or binoculars (feel free to bring your own binoculars along).
• Opportunities to ask questions about astronomy or about the telescopes.
• Free factsheets and/or skymaps to take away.
• Merchandise, including excellent photos of astronomical objects.
• Refreshments and cakes available from our on-site cafe.

Please note that the large telescope cannot be opened or used if the weather is wet or very windy. Even in dry conditions, it is usually cold both in the dome and outside, so warm clothing is necessary.