Location description
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 therefore priced at a premium.
For the best stargazing experience plan your visit during the observing season (September to March) when the evening skies are dark. Avoid periods around full moon when the skies suffer the moon's natural light pollution. Use our dark sky calendar to see when is the best time to visit Kielder Observatory and book early!
Photograph used with kind permission from Astro Matt Photography.
Location event organiser
Kielder Observatory organises stargazing events at this location.
Dark sky discovery site
Designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site this location is accessible by members of the public and are officially recognised as excellent places to stargaze. Such locations often have free overnight car parking, some have toilet facilities however rarely allow overnight camping.
Observatory
Location has an observatory that is accessible to the public by prior arrangement or during public events.
Tonight's weather forecast
Weather forecast for Kielder (1.35 miles away) updated 28/01/20 at 20:01.
Location light pollution
This location is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a dark site setting based on satellite data from CPRE.
Urban
Suburban
Semi-rural
Rural
Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using
Stellarium.
When to stargaze at Kielder Observatory
This location's dark site setting means it benefits from dark skies depending on the time of the year and lunar cycle. In the calendar below where you can see stars indicates when the skies will be dark and the best time to stargaze. Yellow areas show the adverse effects of daylight (bold) and moonlight (faded). Hover over a day to see darkness times or click on a date for more information.
Forthcoming events at this location
Tuesday 28th January 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 29th January 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 3rd February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 4th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 5th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Friday 7th February 2020 from 12:00pm to Sunday 9th February 2020 12:00pm
Monday 10th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 11th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 12th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 17th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 18th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 19th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 24th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 25th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 26th February 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 2nd March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 3rd March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 4th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 9th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 10th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 11th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 16th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 17th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 18th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 23rd March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 24th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Wednesday 25th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Monday 30th March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Tuesday 31st March 2020 from 20:00pm to 23:00pm
Astronomy Presentation, Observing (if clear)
Friday 13th November 2020 from 12:00pm to Sunday 15th November 2020 12:00pm
