Welcome to The Observatory Science Centre

Spectacular Science

Come and enjoy the fabulous atmosphere that surrounds the Observatory at night and, weather permitting look through some of the largest telescopes in the country at some extraordinary night sky objects. Don't worry if it is cloudy we have a cloudy night contingency.

This course will be teaching practical aspects of night sky photography through lectures and demonstrations. You do not need to bring cameras, tripods or telescopes just listen and learn and take away all the essential information you will need to start you on your fascinating journey into night sky photography. Image courtesy of John Fox. Spring and Autumn dates are available.

A fantastic opportunity to learn how to navigate your way around the night sky using the constellations as your guide. Taught in one of our domes under the backdrop of a historic telescope and outside under the stars, you will learn how to recognise star patterns and find out more about the mythologies behind them. Spring and Autumn dates are available.

Tuesday 29 October 2024: Half day workshop for either ages 6 - 8 years or 9-11 years. What does it take to become an astronaut? We will investigate with some exciting activities to discover the challenges faced when reaching space.

Wednesday 30 October 2024: Twilight workshop for 9-11 years. What makes volcanoes blow, the Earth quake and the icecaps melt? What is in space and how do we know? This workshops looks at our dynamic Earth and how we look beyond Earth into space using a telescope. If the weather is clear we may even get to look at the magnificent Moon and the planet.

This 4 week course is a basic introduction to astronomy. It is aimed at beginners in astronomy and approaches the subject in a practical way; helping you visualise the wonders of our solar system and beyond.

This course is a mix of classroom based teaching in one of the domes and practical hands-on teaching outdoors so you can learn how to use your telescope. Members of local Astronomy Societies will guide you through setting up your telescope and getting the best out of it. Weather permitting they will also start you on your way to viewing the night sky. Spring and Autumn dates available.

16 November 2024. The debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle gives rise to the Leonids meteor shower and the debris trail left behind by comet Encke gives rise to the Taurid meteor shower. Join us for an informative talk before heading out to try and spot some meteors (shooting stars). If the weather is good you will also have an opportunity to look through an historic telescope; we have some of the largest working telescopes in the country.

6 December 2024: Come and join us as we celebrate the joyous festive season with Santa and festive music plus viewing the stars (weather permitting).