Each year, the lovely, colourful Geminids meteor shower is visible from the 4th to the 16th December. The display reaches its peak during the early hours of 14th December, with multi-coloured shooting stars visible all over the sky. Big smiles and frozen fingers all-round!
From a dark sky location with no bright Moon, it can be one of the most spectacular and active showers of the year, up to 100 shooting stars may be visible at the peak in the right conditions.
The Geminids are visible from all over the Northern Hemisphere and are great for younger stargazers as they start at around 9 pm. The absolute best time to see the Geminids is 2 am on the 15th December when the Earth rotates into the dust cloud that causes them.
No equipment needed, just your eyes!
You don’t need any binoculars or telescope to see the Geminids – the naked eye is best. Find a dark area, away from pesky streetlights and outdoor lighting. Take a blanket or lawn chair, sleeping bag and flask, and wrap up in extra layers. The truly dedicated may want a hot water bottle.
After about 15 – 20 minutes, your eyes will become adapted to the dark, and you’ll be able to spot even the faintest meteors — don’t be tempted to look at your phone!
Lie on your back with your feet facing south (your phone has a compass) and take in as much sky as possible. Be patient – gradually, you’ll start to see the meteors and their different-coloured trains. Then, whoosh! Did you spot that one? Ah, it was behind you; better luck next time!
A Geminid meteor captured on camera at Ribblehead Viaduct
What causes the Geminids meteor shower?
Meteors come from leftover debris from comets and asteroids. As they orbit the Sun, they leave a dusty trail. Each year, Earth passes through this debris. These tiny particles – about the size of a grain of sand – collide with our atmosphere at great speed.
The Geminids are the result of debris leftover from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the Sun every 524 days. As this debris enters Earth’s atmosphere, the friction causes the particles to light up and create fantastic trails across our sky — a shooting star!
Why is it called the Geminids meteor shower?
The Geminids appear to come from the constellation Gemini, the ‘Twins’, the part of the sky they can be traced back to is known as the ‘radiant. Don’t look at Gemini directly – the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky — the further away from the constellation, the longer their trails.
Geminids radiant is near the star Castor
And Gemini itself is not the source of the meteors – it’s the part of the sky the meteors appear to originate. So the Perseids shower comes from Perseus, Leonids come from Leo, and Orionids come from… well, can you guess where? The Gemini constellation dances on the left shoulder of Orion, with their two bright ‘head’ stars called Castor and Pollux.
The colourful meteor display
We love the Geminids because they are nature’s fireworks – they contain the same chemicals that make fireworks colourful. So, if you had to cancel your fireworks display this year, now’s the chance to make up for it – white, yellow, green, red and blue-tinged meteors may be spotted!
Where are the best places to see the Geminids meteor shower in the UK?
The best places to see the Geminids can be found on our stargazing locations map. Look for a location away from light pollution and with views of much of the sky as possible.
Geminids meteor shower public stargazing events
Is there anything in your area? Find out here. Our events map shows locations hosting events around the peak of the meteor shower and is updated continuously; do check back regularly!
Geminids meteor event list
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Astrophotography tour of Scotland
Friday 12th December 2025 from 12:00pm to Monday 15th December 2025 12:00pm
Perth, Perth, PH2 8NY
More info
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Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)
Friday 12th December 2025 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm
Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB
More info
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Astronomy on the evening of the Geminids Meteor Showers
Friday 12th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath, BA1 2BL
More info
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Stargazing at Bath Abbey
Friday 12th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm
Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT
More info
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Stargazing at the Poltimore Inn Observatory
Friday 12th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 22:00pm
The Poltimore Observatory and Inn, North Molton, EX36 3HR
More info
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Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Night Hike
Friday 12th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm
Hawes Market House, Hawes, DL8 3QN
More info
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Stargazing with Astro Dog at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Friday 12th December 2025 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Bridlington, YO15 1JF
More info
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Dundee Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:30pm
Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB
More info
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Meteors and mince pies with Caithness Astronomy Group
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Castlehill Heritage Centre, Caithness, KW14 8TG
More info
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Moffat Community Observatory (booking required)
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Moffat Community Observatory, Moffat, DG10 9QJ
More info
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Stargazing Evening at Howe of Torbeg
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Howe of Torbeg, Ballater, AB35 5XL
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Wealden Astronomers monthly meeting and observing
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
More info
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Wiltshire Astronomical Society observing session
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 22:00pm
Lacock Playing Fields, Chippenham, SN15 2LQ
More info
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Airdrie Astronomical Association club meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
New Wellwynd Church - Airdrie, Airdrie, ML6 0AG
More info
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Beginner’s Astronomy at Beacon Hill Observatory
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Beacon Hill Observatory, Cleethorpes, DN35
More info
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Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Wynyard Planetarium & Jack Youdale Observatory, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG
More info
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Crawley Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
The Haven Centre - Crawley Down, Crawley, RH10 4LJ
More info
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Dyffryn Observatory Public Star Party
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Dyffryn Observatory, St Nicholas, CF5 6SU
More info
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Herschel Astronomical Society monthly meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
St Laurence Church - Slough, Slough, SL3 7LS
More info
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Plymouth Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Plymouth University - Rolle Building, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
More info
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Stargazing at Dyffryn Gardens
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Dyffryn Observatory, St Nicholas, CF5 6SU
More info
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Stirling Astronomical Society meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Stirling Highland Hotel Observatory, Stirling, FK8 1DU
More info
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Swindon Stargazers Monthly Meeting
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Liddington Village Hall, Swindon, SN4 0HB
More info
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Toothill Observatory Public Open Evening – November 2025 (BACKUP)
Friday 12th December 2025 from 19:30pm to Saturday 13th December 2025 21:30pm
Toothill Observatory, Southampton, SO16 8AL
More info
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Nene Valley Astronomical Society observing evening (weather permitting)
Friday 12th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Chelveston Village Hall, Chelveston, NN9 6AT
More info
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Stargazing at Sunnydale Cricket Pitch
Friday 12th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm
Sunnydale Park, Littleover, DE23 1WG
More info
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Stargazing with Wil in Northumberland Dark Sky Park (Geminids meteors)
Friday 12th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Walltown Country Park, Greenhead, CA8 7HF
More info
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Stargazing Supper at High Force Waterfall
Friday 12th December 2025 from 20:30pm to 22:00pm
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Friday 12th December 2025 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Mills Observatory Weekend Open Day (free!)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 12:30pm to 18:00pm
Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB
More info
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Discover wonders of the Night Sky with Vale Stargazing Club
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 14:30pm to 18:00pm
Lleweni Parc Gliding Club, Denbigh, LL16 4BN
More info
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Stargazing break to see the Geminids meteor shower
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 16:00pm to Monday 15th December 2025 10:00am
Ashes Farm Bed & Breakfast, Holiday Cottage and Lodges, Settle, BD24 0JB
More info
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Family Space Day at the Royal Institution
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 17:00pm to 20:00pm
The Royal Institution, London, W1S 4BS
More info
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Family Stargazing with Wil in Northumberland Dark Sky Park (Geminids meteors)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 19:30pm
Walltown Country Park, Greenhead, CA8 7HF
More info
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Stargazing at Monkton Combe Community Observatory
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Monkton Combe Community Observatory, Monkton Combe, BA2 7JE
More info
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Stargazing evening with the Rewilding Path
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Cliff Road Car Park, Felixstowe, IP11 9SA
More info
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Stargazing with Spirit
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm
Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre, Bedburn, DL13 3NL
More info
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Magical Geminids Meteor Shower Night Walk
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
Kilburn White Horse Car Park, Kilburn, YO61 4AN
More info
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Stargazing with Astro Dog at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm
RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Bridlington, YO15 1JF
More info
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Wells & Mendip Astronomers meeting (Christmas party!)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 18:30pm to 23:30pm
Oakhill Village Hall, Oakhill, BA3 5AN
More info
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Mid-Wales Astronomy Society meeting and observing
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Plas Dolerw, Newtown, SY16 2EH
More info
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Moffat Community Observatory (booking required)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Moffat Community Observatory, Moffat, DG10 9QJ
More info
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Reading Astronomical Society meeting
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:45pm
St Peter's Church Hall - Earley, Earley, RG6 1EY
More info
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See the Geminids with volunteers from Wynyard Observatory
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 22:00pm
Wynyard Planetarium & Jack Youdale Observatory, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JG
More info
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Stargazing at Durlston Astronomy Centre (Geminid meteor shower)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Durlston Astronomy Centre and Observatory, Swanage, BH19 2JL
More info
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Stargazing at Great Notley Country Park
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:15pm
Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, CM77 7FS
More info
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Stargazing at the Lord Crewe Arms
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, DH8 9SP
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Clanfield Observatory Public Open Evening (ticket required)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:15pm to 21:15pm
Clanfield Observatory, Clanfield, PO8
More info
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Come Stargazing at Failand Observatory
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Failand Observatory, Near Wraxall, BS8 3US
More info
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Norman Lockyer Observatory Open Evening (Geminid meteor shower)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:30pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium, Sidmouth, EX10 0NY
More info
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See the Geminids under a sparkling dark sky
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:30pm
Sutton Bank Star Hub, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
More info
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Stargazing and Geminds meteor shower at Botton Village
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Camphill Village Trust - Botton Village, Danby, YO21 2NJ
More info
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Stargazing at Mugdock Country Park
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie, G62 8EL
More info
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Kenley Observatory Public Open Evening
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Norman Fisher Observatory at Kenley, Kenley, CR8 5EP
More info
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Observing on Blackheath Common with Flamsteed Astronomy Society
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Blackheath Common, London, SE3 0TX
More info
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Stargazing with Shropshire Astronomical Society
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Little Ness Village Hall, Shrewsbury, SY4 2LG
More info
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Stargazing with Wil in Northumberland Dark Sky Park (Geminids meteors)
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Walltown Country Park, Greenhead, CA8 7HF
More info
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Stargazing Supper at High Force Waterfall
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 20:30pm to 22:00pm
The High Force Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Friends of the Marlborough Telescope observing session
Saturday 13th December 2025 from 22:00pm to Sunday 14th December 2025 00:00am
Blackett Observatory, Marlborough, SN8 1PA
More info
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Mills Observatory Weekend Open Day (free!)
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 12:30pm to 18:00pm
Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB
More info
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Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Night Hike
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm
Malham Car Park, Skipton, BD23 4DA
More info
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Observing with DashAstro at Darsham Village Hall
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Darsham Village Hall, Darsham, IP17 3QJ
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Stargazing with Strathnairn Stargazing Group
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Farr Community Hall, Inverness, IV2 6AX
More info
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Clanfield Observatory Public Open Evening (ticket required)
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 19:15pm to 21:15pm
Clanfield Observatory, Clanfield, PO8
More info
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Observing Night at the Bruce Observatory
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 19:15pm to 21:15pm
Bruce Observatory - Whitby School, Whitby, YO21 1LA
More info
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Geminid Meteor Shower and Dark Sky Tour
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre, Tomintoul, AB37 9ET
More info
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Observing on Blackheath Common with Flamsteed Astronomy Society (weather backup)
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Blackheath Common, London, SE3 0TX
More info
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Stargazing with Wil in Northumberland Dark Sky Park
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Walltown Country Park, Greenhead, CA8 7HF
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Sunday 14th December 2025 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)
Monday 15th December 2025 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm
Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB
More info
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Moffat Community Observatory (booking required)
Monday 15th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Moffat Community Observatory, Moffat, DG10 9QJ
More info
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Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons with Dark Sky Wales
Monday 15th December 2025 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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Stargazing at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
Monday 15th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm
Muirshiel Visitor Centre & Country Park, Near Lochwinnoch, PA12 4LB
More info
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Nene Valley Astronomical Society speaker evening
Monday 15th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Chelveston Village Hall, Chelveston, NN9 6AT
More info
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Stargazing with Wil in Northumberland Dark Sky Park
Monday 15th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm
Walltown Country Park, Greenhead, CA8 7HF
More info
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Stargazing and Astrophotography in Brecon with Dark Sky Wales
Monday 15th December 2025 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm
Brecon - Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, LD3 8ER
More info
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