South West Astronomy Fair 2025
Saturday 28th June 2025 from 12:00pm to 22:00pm
Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium
Salcombe Hill Road, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NY
Visitors to the event can enjoy a wide range of exciting activities throughout the day. Free guided tours of the Historical Telescope Dome will be available, along with access to captivating Planetarium shows. A full programme of talks and events, hosted by the NLO Groups, will run across the site, covering various aspects of astronomy and space science.
Weather permitting, there will be live solar observing, offering a unique opportunity to view the Sun safely through specialist telescopes. Astronomy societies will be on hand with informative displays, and a Trade Marquee will feature leading exhibitors including Widescreen Centre, First Light Optics, Bresser, MSG Meteorites, and the Society for Popular Astronomy.
Guest speakers will deliver engaging presentations on topical subjects in modern astronomy, complete with visual elements, in the main Lecture Theatre. Due to high demand, tickets for these talks should be purchased in advance and are not included in the general event admission.
More activities are currently being planned, promising an inspiring and interactive experience for all visitors.
Please note that this has already taken place on 28/06/2025
Event organiser
Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society is organising this event
Please contact Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society
Twitter: @NLOastronomy
Facebook: Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society
Event booking
Event darkness
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.
Sat 28th Jun
Local light pollution
Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural 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.
Light pollution map of Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium
Forthcoming events
Below is a list of events at Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium. 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.