Observing evenings
Visitor information
Booking
Location
Evenings with the Stars observing events take place in the Royal Observatory's 28" Telescope Dome (Great Equatorial Building).
Royal Observatory
Blackheath Avenue
Greenwich, SE10 8XJ
Transport
road | tube & rail | cycle | bus | river
Cost
Adults £15
Children* / concessions £11
(*observing events are suitable for children aged 7+)
Christmas Stargazing: £5 / £3.50
Valentine's Special: £25 / £18
An Evening with the Stars
Come for an evening of star-gazing with astronomers at the Royal Observatory using our 28-inch telescope – the largest of its kind in the UK. The evening also includes a planetarium show and an opportunity to take in the incredible view from the Prime Meridian after dark, with small telescopes for further stargazing.
Dates and times
| Dates | Start times |
|---|---|
| 3, 24, 26, 27 November | 17.30, 18.10, 18.50, 19.30 |
| 5, 6, 12, 13, 19-23 December: Christmas stargazing * | 16.30, 17.00 |
| 22, 26 January 2010 | 17.30, 18.10, 18.50, 19.30 |
| 14 Feb 2010: Valentine's Day Special | 17.30, 18.10, 18.50, 19.30 |
| 19 Feb 2010: British Sign Language Special | 17.30, 18.10, 18.50, 19.30 |
| 23 Feb 2010: Mother and Daughter Special | 17.30, 18.10, 18.50, 19.30 |
| 19-21 March 2010 | 17.30, 18.10, 18.50, 19.30 |
Duration 2 hours *Duration 30 mins; places limited
The 28-inch telescope
The 28-inch Greenwich refracting telescope is the largest of its kind in the UK and the seventh largest in the world. Completed in 1893, it was designed to keep the Royal Observatory at the forefront of contemporary astronomy.
The telescope is now a central part of educational programmes at the Royal Observatory. With the recent addition of a computer-aided guidance system and CCD camera, it continues to work as an excellent visual aid to observing the night sky.
International Year of Astronomy
The Royal Observatory presents an award-winning programme of astronomy-related events throughout the year.
