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University College London Observatory

University College London Observatory

553 Watford Way, Mill Hill Park, London, NW7 2QS

Best time to visit

The UCL Observatory is one of the best-equipped astronomical facilities for student training and research in the UK. It hosts regular free public open evenings, roughly fortnightly, on Fridays and some Saturdays during UCL’s autumn and winter terms (October–March inclusive).

University College London Observatory rooftop view

Location events organiser

University of Central London Observatory

University of Central London Observatory organises events at this location

Please contact University of Central London Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: University of Central London Observatory

Weather forecast

  • 08/09/26

    15° 60%

  • 08/09/26

    17° 1%

  • 08/09/26

    16° 0%

  • 09/09/26

    13° 0%

Weather forecast for Potters Bar (6.4 miles away) updated 08/09/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.

Local light pollution

University College London Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to an urban location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.

The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.

Light pollution map of University College London Observatory

Best time to visit

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 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.

Moon phase on Tue 8th Sep

Tue 8th Sep

Waning Crescent
12 % illuminated
Dark from 19:48 to 02:58
Dark for 7h 9m
Moon phase on Wed 9th Sep

Wed 9th Sep

Waning Crescent
6 % illuminated
Dark from 19:45 to 04:12
Dark for 8h 26m
Moon phase on Thu 10th Sep

Thu 10th Sep

New Moon
2 % illuminated
Dark from 19:42 to 04:14
Dark for 8h 31m
Moon phase on Fri 11th Sep

Fri 11th Sep

New Moon
0 % illuminated
Dark from 19:40 to 04:16
Dark for 8h 35m
Moon phase on Sat 12th Sep

Sat 12th Sep

New Moon
1 % illuminated
Dark from 19:37 to 04:18
Dark for 8h 40m
Moon phase on Sun 13th Sep

Sun 13th Sep

Waxing Crescent
4 % illuminated
Dark from 19:35 to 04:20
Dark for 8h 44m
Moon phase on Mon 14th Sep

Mon 14th Sep

Waxing Crescent
9 % illuminated
Dark from 19:32 to 04:22
Dark for 8h 49m

Find more dates

If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!

Calendar

Events nearby

Display nearby events on a calendar

  • Informal observing evening with Crayford Manor Astronomical Society

    Thursday 10th September 2026 from 19:45pm to 21:30pm

    The Dick Chambers Observatory, Dartford, DA4 9HD (24.7 miles away)

    More info

  • Loughton Astronomical Society meeting and observing

    Thursday 10th September 2026 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Theydon Bois Scout Hall, Epping, CM16 7EJ (15.0 miles away)

    More info

  • Walton Astronomy Group meeting and observing

    Thursday 10th September 2026 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    The Black Swan - Ockham, Cobham, KT11 1NG (23.0 miles away)

    More info

  • Bayfordbury Observatory guided astronomy evening

    Friday 11th September 2026 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm

    Bayfordbury Observatory, Bayfordbury, SG13 8LD (12.7 miles away)

    More info

  • Astrokyds with Loughton Astronomical Society

    Friday 11th September 2026 from 18:30pm to 20:00pm

    St Mary's Church Hall - Theydon Bois, Theydon Bois, CM16 7ER (15.1 miles away)

    More info

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