Wynyard Planetarium & Observatory
Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, TS21 3JG
Wynyard Planetarium and Observatory is a popular stargazing location on the outskirts of Norton near Stockton away from the worst of the area’s light pollution.
The observatory is home to a large aperture telescope and gives excellent views of the night skies. Volunteers frequently open the observatory for public stargazing sessions should weather permit.
The planetarium offers a digital projection system displaying full-dome movies. Regular “Public Star Show” presentations are given by experienced and enthusiastic astronomers.
Members of Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society hold their monthly meetings here. A great place to visit for families and suitable for anyone with an interest in astronomy.
Location events organiser
Teesside Astronomical Science Centre organises events at this location
Please contact Teesside Astronomical Science Centre directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Teesside Astronomical Science Centre
Twitter: @wwp_planetarium
Facebook: Teesside Astronomical Science Centre
Local light pollution
Wynyard Planetarium & Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to asuburban suburban 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.
Thu 30th Nov
Fri 1st Dec
Sat 2nd Dec
Sun 3rd Dec
Mon 4th Dec
Tue 5th Dec
Wed 6th Dec
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarForthcoming events
Below is a list of events at Wynyard Planetarium & Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.