Kielder hosts one of the best public observatories in the UK. Its remote location at the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park allows the observatory to benefit from dark skies free from light pollution.
The journey to the observatory takes in wonderful views around Kielder Reservoir and Kielder Forest. Experienced astronomers and friendly staff always offer an enjoyable event no matter the weather.
The observatory runs events 7 nights a week and for most nights particularly weekends booking is required several weeks in advance of visiting. Tickets for weekend events around each new moon (the best time to visit) always sell out and are therefore priced at a premium.
The best time to visit Kielder Observatory is during the observing season (September to March) when the evening skies are dark. You should also avoid periods around the full Moon when the skies suffer from bright Moonlight. Use our dark sky calendar to see when is the best time to visit Kielder Observatory and book early!
Location events organiser
Kielder Observatory organises events at this location
Please contact Kielder Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Kielder Observatory
Twitter: @kielder_obs
Facebook: Kielder Observatory
Weather forecast
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02/12/23
0° 19% -
02/12/23
-1° 18% -
03/12/23
-1° 19% -
03/12/23
-1° 21%
Weather forecast for Kielder (1.3 miles away) updated 02/12/23 at 12:00.
Local light pollution
Kielder Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to adark site dark site location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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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.
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. 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. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Sat 2nd Dec
Sun 3rd Dec
Mon 4th Dec
Tue 5th Dec
Wed 6th Dec
Thu 7th Dec
Fri 8th Dec
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
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