The annual Perseids meteor shower is possibly the most eagerly anticipated by astronomers. For several years they have resulted in a great show with dozens of bright meteors being spotted every hour around the peak of their activity. They are reliable and make for a great excuse to get out under the starry skies, perhaps as a stargazing break to a dark sky site away from light pollution!
The Perseid meteor shower of 2024 may well be spectacular! Over the peak in activity there will be a Moon in the sky for the first part of the evening, when it sets offers the best viewing conditions, making it possible to see fainter meteors and more streaks of light across the sky. In recent years, several nights before the peak have also offered excellent viewing.
How to see Perseid meteors
To see Perseid meteors, find a location away from light pollution with clear, unobstructed views in all directions, including towards the horizons and directly above. Rather than looking at any specific part of the sky, use your peripheral vision to scan the whole sky for shooting stars. When you see one, your eyes will be drawn naturally towards it. You don’t need a telescope or binoculars, just your eyes!
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
Each year as the Earth travels in its orbit around the Sun, it encounters a vast swathe of cosmic dust left over by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As these tiny dust particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at an incredible speed, they burn up, leaving a brief but bright trail — a shooting star!
Why is it called the Perseid meteor shower?
All meteor showers have a name based on the constellation they appear to radiate from. Perseid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation of Perseus.
When is the best time to see Perseid meteors?
The best time to see the Perseids is when they peak on the night of August 12th into the morning of August 13th each year. The peak of activity occurs in the early morning hours, around 2 am, when Earth rotates into the dust cloud left over from the tail of comet Swift-Tuttle. The tiny fragments in this dust cloud disintegrate as they enter Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing shooting stars.
Around the peak, up to 80 meteors per hour may be visible from a dark sky location. Several nights before and after are also excellent opportunities to see them.
Where are the best places to see the Perseid meteor shower in the UK?
The best places to see the Perseid meteor shower are at dark sky locations away from light pollution. If you cannot travel to a dark sky site, finding somewhere away from direct light is worthwhile, as doing so will allow your eyes to adjust. Some Perseids can be very bright, so it’s worth looking out for them even from light-polluted areas.
For ideas of where to go, see our location map or check our light pollution map to find your own best locations. Register on our website for notifications of other cool things to see in the night skies.
Perseid meteor photographed by Allan Trow / Dark Sky Wales
Publicly accessible Perseid meteor shower events
Many astronomy clubs, societies and observatories host public observing events where people can view the Perseids with friendly, experienced astronomers. Independent venues are also known to host events, perhaps as a charity fundraiser combined with a BBQ or sleepover.
This events map is continually updated on the run-up to the meteor shower’s peak; please check back regularly!
Public events around the peak of the Perseids meteor shower
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Dalby Forest StarFest 2024
Friday 9th August 2024 from 12:00pm to Monday 12th August 2024 12:00pm
Dalby Forest Adderstone Field, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7LT
More info
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Stargazing evening at the Observatory Science Centre
Friday 9th August 2024 from 20:00pm to Saturday 10th August 2024 00:30am
The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
More info
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Astrophotography at Burnhope Reservoir
Friday 9th August 2024 from 23:15pm to Saturday 10th August 2024 01:15am
Burnhope Reservoir, St Johns Chapel, DL13
More info
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Derby and District Astronomical Society Open Day (50th Anniversary)
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 10:00am to 16:00pm
Friends Meeting House - Derby, Derby, DE1 3GY
More info
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See the Perseids at OM Dark Sky Observatory
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 10:00am to Sunday 11th August 2024 00:00am
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Cookstown, BT79 8JH
More info
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Sun Watch with Eddington Astronomical Society
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 14:00pm to 16:00pm
Brewery Arts Centre - Kendal, Kendal, LA9 4HE
More info
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Thanet Astronomy Group weekly meeting
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 14:00pm to 16:00pm
West Bay Cafe, Margate, CT8 8QZ
More info
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Stargazing overnight on Orford Ness
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 17:00pm to Sunday 11th August 2024 12:00pm
Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, Orford, IP12 2NU
More info
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Astrophotography at High Force Waterfall
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 19:00pm to Sunday 11th August 2024 01:30am
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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South East Kent Astronomical Society meeting
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Alkham Village Hall, Alkham, CT15 7AR
More info
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The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm
The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP
More info
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Cotswold Astronomical Society monthly meeting and observing
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm
Deer Park Archers, Cheltenham, GL51 4UD
More info
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See the Perseids at the Tan Hill Inn
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 20:00pm to Monday 12th August 2024 23:00pm
Tan Hill Inn, Richmond, DL11 6ED
More info
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Stargazing in Northumberland at Twice Brewed Observatory
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Dark Skies Gigha’s Annual Perseids Party
Saturday 10th August 2024 from 23:30pm to Sunday 11th August 2024 02:30am
Dark Skies Theatre - Port Mor - Isle of Gigha, Isle of Gigha, PA41 7AA
More info
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Solar observing with DASH Astro
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 11:00am to 15:00pm
Dunwich Heath and Beach - National Trust, Dunwich, IP17 3DJ
More info
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Solar Sunday with Mexborough Astronomical Society
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 11:00am to 15:00pm
RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor, Barnsley, S73 0YF
More info
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See the Perseids with Breckland Astronomical Society
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 17:00pm to 23:00pm
Breckland Astronomical Observatory, Near Attleborough, NR17
More info
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Cygnus Observatory public open evening
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, NE38 8LE
More info
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Stargazing in Northumberland at Twice Brewed Observatory
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Perseid meteor watch with Torbay Astronomical Society
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 21:00pm to Monday 12th August 2024 02:00am
Torquay Boys Grammar School & Observatory, Torquay, TQ2 7EL
More info
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Perseid meteor shower watch with Bath Astronomers
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 21:30pm to 23:30pm
Lansdown Park & Ride, Bath, BA1 9BJ
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Sunday 11th August 2024 from 22:30pm to Monday 12th August 2024 00:30am
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Perseid meteor shower photography workshop
Monday 12th August 2024 from 11:00am to Tuesday 13th August 2024 01:00am
Bowlees Visitor Centre, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XF
More info
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Inverclyde Skywatchers Club Meeting
Monday 12th August 2024 from 15:00pm to 17:00pm
Inverkip Hub, Greenock, PA16 0FZ
More info
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See the Perseids at Wynyard Observatory
Monday 12th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 23:30pm
Wynyard Planetarium & Observatory, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG
More info
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King’s Lynn and District Astronomy Society meeting
Monday 12th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Tottenhill Village Hall, Tottenhill, PE33 0RS
More info
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Orwell Astronomical Society meeting and observing
Monday 12th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Newbourne Village Hall, Newbourne, IP12 4NP
More info
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Nocturnal Wildlife and Perseids Meteor Shower Guided Walk
Monday 12th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Petworth House and Park, Midhurst, GU28 9LR
More info
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Perseid Meteor Shower at Gemma’s Farm with Tiptree Stargazers
Monday 12th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Gemma's Farm, Braintree, CM8 1RG
More info
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Perseid Meteor Shower at the Rosse Observatory
Monday 12th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
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See the Perseids at Durlston Astronomy Centre
Monday 12th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Durlston Astronomy Centre and Observatory, Swanage, BH19 2JL
More info
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Stargazing in Northumberland at Twice Brewed Observatory
Monday 12th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Jersey Astronomy Club Observatory Open Night
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Sir Patrick Moore Astronomy Centre - Jersey, St. Brelade, JE3 8LN
More info
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Perseid meteor observing with Llandyrnog Astronomical Society
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 02:00am
Golden Lion Inn - Llangynhafel, Denbigh, LL16 4LN
More info
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Perseid meteor shower viewing with East Essex Astronomy Club
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 01:00am
Burnham-on-Crouch Village Hall, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8EF
More info
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Perseid meteor spotting with the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 01:00am
Primrose Hill - London, London, NW1 4RY
More info
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Perseid meteor viewing with Walsall Astronomical Society
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 00:00am
Rushall Olympic Football Club, Rushall, WS4 1LJ
More info
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See the Perseids with Highlands Astronomical Society
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 02:00am
Jim Savage-Lowden Observatory, Culloden Moor, IV2 5EU
More info
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Perseid meteor shower walk at Stockwood Nature Reserve
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:30pm to 22:30pm
Stockwood Open Space Nature Reserve, Bristol, BS14 8LX
More info
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Perseid meteor shower watch with Bath Astronomers
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:30pm to 23:30pm
Lansdown Park & Ride, Bath, BA1 9BJ
More info
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See the Perseids at Toothill Observatory
Monday 12th August 2024 from 21:30pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 01:30am
Toothill Observatory, Southampton, SO16 8AL
More info
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Friends of the Marlborough Telescope observing session (Perseids)
Monday 12th August 2024 from 22:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 00:00am
Blackett Observatory, Marlborough, SN8 1PA
More info
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Perseid Meteor Watch at Coveney
Monday 12th August 2024 from 22:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 02:00am
Coveney Village Hall, Ely, CB6 2DB
More info
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Perseids meteor shower observing evening with Plymouth Astro
Monday 12th August 2024 from 22:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 02:00am
Wembury Beach Car Park, Plymouth, PL9 0HP
More info
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See the Perseid Meteor Shower with Bridgend Astronomical Society (Free!)
Monday 12th August 2024 from 22:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 01:00am
Bridgend and District Model Railway, Aberkenfig, CF32 0EH
More info
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Celebrate the return of darker skies with the Perseid Meteor Shower!
Monday 12th August 2024 from 22:30pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 00:30am
Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre, Tomintoul, AB37 9ET
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Monday 12th August 2024 from 22:30pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 00:30am
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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See the Perseids at the Rollright Stones
Monday 12th August 2024 from 23:00pm to Tuesday 13th August 2024 02:00am
Rollright Stones Ancient Monument, Chipping Norton, OX7 5QB
More info
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Community open evening at Bayfordbury Observatory
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Bayfordbury Observatory, Bayfordbury, SG13 8LD
More info
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Renfrewshire Astronomical Society meeting
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Walkinshaw Community Centre, Johnstone, PA5 8AF
More info
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Seven Sisters Astronomy Group meeting
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
The Griffin Inn - Fletching, Uckfield, TN22 3SS
More info
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Farnham Astronomical Society monthly meeting
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Aldershot Cricket Club, Aldershot, GU12 4BP
More info
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Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (second Tuesday)
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS
More info
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Lowestoft & Yarmouth Regional Astronomers Meeting
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Parkhill Hotel Coach House Room, Lowestoft, NR32 5DQ
More info
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Sheffield Astronomical Society Meeting
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm
The Ranmoor Parish Centre, Sheffield, S10 3GX
More info
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Cornwall Astronomy Society Meeting & Stargazing
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Degibna Chapel, Helston, TR12 7PR
More info
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COSMOS Observatory Open Evening
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
COSMOS Observatory, St Martins, TR25 0QN
More info
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Keele Observatory public open evening
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Keele Observatory, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 5BG
More info
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Nocturnal Wildlife and Perseids Meteor Shower Guided Walk
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Petworth House and Park, Midhurst, GU28 9LR
More info
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Stargazing in Northumberland at Twice Brewed Observatory
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Perseid meteor watch with Croydon Astronomical Society
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 22:00pm to Wednesday 14th August 2024 02:00am
RAF Kenley Tribute Memorial, Kenley, CR5 1JS
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 22:30pm to Wednesday 14th August 2024 00:30am
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Pigs and Perseids – August 2024
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 18:00pm to 22:30pm
Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, Bletchley, MK17 0BH
More info
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Leighton Observatory Open Evening
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Leighton Observatory - Pex Hill, Widnes, WA8 5QW
More info
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Norman Lockyer Observatory Open Evening (Perseids meteor shower)
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, EX10 0NY
More info
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Athenaeum Astronomy Association meeting
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Whepstead Community Centre, Whepstead, IP29 4TA
More info
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Blackpool & District Astronomical Society Meeting
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Blackpool Cricket Club, Blackpool, FY3 9EQ
More info
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Leeds Astronomical Society meeting
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Quaker Meeting House - Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9DX
More info
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Salford Observatory open evening
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Salford Observatory, Chasely Fields, M6 7DZ
More info
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Birmingham Astronomical Society weekly club meeting
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 17:10pm
Aston University in Birmingham, Birmingham, B4 7ET
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Wednesday 14th August 2024 from 22:30pm to Thursday 15th August 2024 00:30am
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Summertime Norwegian Fjords with Fred. Olsen Cruises and Go Stargazing
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 12:00pm to Saturday 24th August 2024 12:00pm
Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Liverpool, L3 1DL
More info
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Manchester Astronomical Society weekly meeting
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm
Blackett Lecture Theatre, Manchester, M13 9PL
More info
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Cygnus Observatory public open evening
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, NE38 8LE
More info
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Eden Valley and Penrith Astronomy Group meeting and stargazing
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Morland and Newby Village Hall, Penrith, CA10 3AS
More info
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Moor Park Observatory public open evening
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 22:00pm
Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory - Moor Park, Preston, PR2 3AE
More info
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Perton Library Astronomy Group Meeting
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Perton Library, Perton, WV6 7QU
More info
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Kernow Astronomers monthly meeting
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Summercourt Memorial Hall, Newquay, TR8 5DY
More info
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Observing evening with Orpington Astronomical Society
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm
Otford Village Memorial Hall, Otford, TN14 5PQ
More info
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Southport Astronomical Society meeting
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN
More info
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Usk Astronomical Society weekly meeting
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
The Grange - Usk, Usk, NP15 1AB
More info
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Informal observing evening with Crayford Manor Astronomical Society
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:45pm to 21:30pm
The Parsonage Lane Pavilion and Observatory, Dartford, DA4 9HD
More info
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Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society Meeting
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm
St John's Church Hall - Mexborough, Mexborough, S64 0ER
More info
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Isle of Wight Observatory open night
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:30pm
The Isle of Wight Observatory, Newchurch, PO36 0LX
More info
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Loughton Astronomical Society meeting & observing
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Theydon Bois Scout Hall, Epping, CM16 7EJ
More info
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Practical Astronomy with Nottingham Astronomical Society
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Burnside Hall - Plumtree, Nottingham, NG12 5ND
More info
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Stargazing in Northumberland at Twice Brewed Observatory
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Twice Brewed Observatory and Planetarium, Hexham, NE47 7AN
More info
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Walsall Astronomical Society meeting and stargazing
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Rushall Olympic Football Club, Rushall, WS4 1LJ
More info
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St Andrews University Astro-Society meeting and stargazing
Thursday 15th August 2024 from 21:15pm to 23:15pm
University of St Andrews Observatory, St Andrews, KY16 9LZ
More info
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