Institute of Astronomy Public Open Night (CANCELLED)

Institute of Astronomy Public Open Night (CANCELLED)

Wednesday 2nd October 2024 from 18:45pm to 21:30pm

Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0HA

Updated 02/10/24 please note that this event will not take place on this date. The next event open night wil be 09/10/24.

This free event is one of the regular weekly public open evenings at Cambridge University’s Institute of Astronomy every Wednesday evening from October through March. The entrance doors open at 18:45, with seating in the main lecture theatre on a first-come basis (there is also an overspill room).

These events offer a fantastic opportunity to look through the Institute’s large Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes from within the observatory. Members from the Cambridge Astronomical Society will also be on hand with their telescopes.

Events go ahead no matter the weather, with an Astronomer from the Institute presenting a half-hour talk even if the evening is cloudy. Most 30-minute presentations are suitable for children; however, they can leave if they become restless. Observing using the telescopes is subject to favourable weather conditions.

Please note that this has already taken place on 02/10/2024


Event organiser

Institute of Astronomy at University of Cambridge

Institute of Astronomy at University of Cambridge is organising this event

Please contact Institute of Astronomy at University of Cambridge directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.


Event booking

Admission to this event is free of charge. Please contact the venue or Society in advance if your group size is more than six people.

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 Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Institute of Astronomy Public Open Night

    Wednesday 16th October 2024 from 18:45pm to 21:30pm

    Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

    More info
  • Cambridge Astronomical Association speaker meeting

    Friday 18th October 2024 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm

    Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

    More info
  • Institute of Astronomy Public Open Night

    Wednesday 23rd October 2024 from 18:45pm to 21:30pm

    Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

    More info
  • Cambridge Young Astronomers (7 to 11 year olds)

    Saturday 26th October 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm

    Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

    More info
  • Institute of Astronomy Public Open Night

    Wednesday 30th October 2024 from 18:45pm to 21:30pm

    Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

    More info
  • Cambridge AstroPlus

    Monday 4th November 2024 from 19:15pm to 20:45pm

    Cambridge Observatory - Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

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    Head Fen Drove, Little Downham, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2ER (18.8 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

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