Preserving the Cultural Skyscape Conference

Preserving the Cultural Skyscape Conference

Wednesday 8th May 2024 from 10:00am to 17:00pm

National Space Centre
Exploration Drive, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 5NS

A conference focused on the cultural and ecological significance of the night sky, featuring global indigenous astronomy, and the launch of Stonehenge: Sighting the Sun by Prof Clive Ruggles and Dr Amanda Chadburn.

Please note that this event is not organised by the National Space Centre. Please direct all enquiries to Amy Arden.

Attendance is available both in-person and online. Attendance is free (including admission to the National Space Centre and a catered lunch, but registration is required).

The conference schedule includes the following esteemed individuals:

Steve McCluskey (North American Indigenous Astronomy)
Dani Robertson (International Dark-Skies Association, Snowdonia)
Sophie Chiari (Eco-Shakespearean Research, Maison des Sciences de l’Homme)
John Steele (Mesopotamian Astronomy, Brown University)
Katherine Walker (Shakespeare’s Cosmology, University of Nevada)
Clive Ruggles (University of Leicester emeritus, and UNESCO-IAU liasion)
Amanda Chadburn (Historic England)

Please note that this has already taken place on 08/05/2024

Event booking

Please reserve your free online or in person tickets via the Ticket Tailor website, and direct all enquiries to Amy Arden.

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 National Space Centre. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (fourth Tuesday)

    Tuesday 28th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS

    More info
  • Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (second Tuesday)

    Tuesday 11th June 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS

    More info
  • Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (fourth Tuesday)

    Tuesday 25th June 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS

    More info
  • Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (second Tuesday)

    Tuesday 9th July 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS

    More info
  • Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (fourth Tuesday)

    Tuesday 23rd July 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS

    More info
  • Leicester Astronomical Society meeting (second Tuesday)

    Tuesday 13th August 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    National Space Centre, Leicester, LE4 5NS

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • A Little Bit of Rough

    Uppingham, Corby, Leicestershire, LE15, East Midlands England (17.6 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Rockingham Forest Park

    Wansford Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6FR, East Midlands England (28.5 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info