Beacon Observatory Public Open Evening

Beacon Observatory Public Open Evening

Saturday 5th October 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm

The Beacon Observatory - University of Kent
Kent Community Oasis Garden, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ

Join the friendly astronomers from the Beacon Astronomy Group for an astronomical presentation by a guest speaker and observe afterwards in their observatory if the weather permits.

Note that while the group aim to open their observatory on the first Saturday of every month, the date and time is subject to change. Please contact the group or check their Facebook group for recent updates.

These open evening events usually commence with an informal presentation at the University of Kent’s Grimond building. Please wait outside to be escorted in by a Beacon Astronomy Group team member. Please do not enter the building on your own or unescorted.

If the sky is clear, following the presentation you will adjourn to the Beacon Observatory area for a practical astronomy session and observe planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies using the observatory telescopes.

There is no admission fee; however, there will be a donation box if you wish to contribute to their small but non-zero administration costs.

Everyone is welcome! If you use Facebook, please join the Beacon Astronomy Group and indicate your interest in attending this event.

Please note that this has already taken place on 05/10/2024


Event organiser

Beacon Astronomy Group is organising this event

Please contact Beacon Astronomy Group directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.


Event booking

For full details on how to attend this event, including how to book, please see the event's official website.

Visit event website

Event darkness

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

The below chart shows if and when the skies will be at their darkest during this event. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing.



Forthcoming events

Below is a list of events at The Beacon Observatory - University of Kent. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Beacon Observatory Public Open Evening

    Saturday 2nd November 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm

    The Beacon Observatory - University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ

    More info
  • Beacon Observatory Public Open Evening

    Saturday 7th December 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm

    The Beacon Observatory - University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

No locations found