Equinox Star Party at Idle Valley Nature Reserve
Saturday 12th September 2026 from 19:00pm to 22:00pm
Idle Valley Nature Reserve
North Road, East Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 8RQ
Join local experts from Bassetlaw Astronomical Society for an evening celebrating the wonders of the night sky. Enjoy astronomy talks, demonstrations and guided walks, learn about light pollution and astrophotography, explore the scale of the Solar System, identify constellations and try observing through telescopes.
A telescope clinic will also offer one-to-one guidance and practical tips for getting the most from your own equipment. Suitable for beginners and experienced astronomers alike.
This event is suitable for ages 14+, with under-18s accompanied by an adult. Some activities take place outdoors on uneven ground in very dark conditions, so bringing a small torch or headtorch is recommended.
Event organiser
Bassetlaw Astronomical Society is organising this event
Please contact Bassetlaw Astronomical Society directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Bassetlaw Astronomical Society
Event booking
Event darkness
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.
Sat 12th Sep
Local light pollution
Idle Valley Nature Reserve is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.
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Urban
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Suburban
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Semi-rural
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Rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Forthcoming events
Below is a list of events at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
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