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Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion & Observatory

Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion & Observatory

Stonehaugh, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3DZ

Best time to visit

Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion is a free-to-access stargazing location in Kielder Forest and at the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Designed by students from Newcastle University and open in July 2014, the venue is frequently used by Stonehaugh Astronomy who, in 2020, built a small observatory at the location to compliment their events which they organise in the nearby Stonehaugh Community Hall.

Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion & Observatory is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Most such locations have overnight parking (sometimes with a fee); however, many do not allow overnight camping. There may or may not be toilet facilities.

Location events organiser

Stonehaugh Astronomy

Stonehaugh Astronomy organises events at this location

Please contact Stonehaugh Astronomy directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: Stonehaugh Astronomy
Facebook: Stonehaugh Astronomy

Weather forecast

  • 30/04/24

    15° 0%

  • 30/04/24

    11° 4%

  • 01/05/24

    9° 0%

  • 01/05/24

    7° 8%

Weather forecast for Stonehaugh (0.2 miles away) updated 30/04/24 at 20:00.

Local light pollution

Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion & Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to adark site dark site location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.

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

Light pollution map of Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion & 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 30th Apr

Tue 30th Apr

Third Quarter
66 % illuminated
Dark from 21:24 to 02:45
Dark for 5h 20m
Moon phase on Wed 1st May

Wed 1st May

Third Quarter
55 % illuminated
Dark from 21:27 to 02:42
Dark for 5h 14m
Moon phase on Thu 2nd May

Thu 2nd May

Third Quarter
44 % illuminated
Dark from 21:30 to 02:38
Dark for 5h 7m
Moon phase on Fri 3rd May

Fri 3rd May

Third Quarter
33 % illuminated
Dark from 21:33 to 02:35
Dark for 5h 1m
Moon phase on Sat 4th May

Sat 4th May

Waning Crescent
23 % illuminated
Dark from 21:36 to 02:32
Dark for 4h 55m
Moon phase on Sun 5th May

Sun 5th May

Waning Crescent
14 % illuminated
Dark from 21:39 to 02:29
Dark for 4h 49m
Moon phase on Mon 6th May

Mon 6th May

Waning Crescent
6 % illuminated
Dark from 21:42 to 02:26
Dark for 4h 43m

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

  • Newcastle Astronomical Society meeting and observing

    Thursday 16th May 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Summerhill Bowling Club, Newcastle, NE4 6EH (28.6 miles away)

    More info

  • Border Astronomical Society informal meeting and observing

    Thursday 12th September 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Trinity School Observatory, Carlisle, CA1 1JB (27.0 miles away)

    More info

  • Border Astronomical Society informal meeting and observing

    Thursday 10th October 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Trinity School Observatory, Carlisle, CA1 1JB (27.0 miles away)

    More info

  • Kielder Forest Star Camp – Autumn 2024

    Wednesday 30th October 2024 from 12:00pm to Monday 4th November 2024 12:00pm

    Kielder Campsite, Kielder, NE48 1ER (15.0 miles away)

    More info

  • Stargazing and Walking Weekend in Northumberland

    Friday 8th November 2024 from 17:00pm to Sunday 10th November 2024 14:00pm

    Kielder Observatory, Near Kielder Village, NE48 1EJ (15.6 miles away)

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Cranmore House – Nenthead

    Holmsfoot, Nenthead, Cumbria, CA9 3LS (20.0 miles away)

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  • Singdean Alpnhaus

    Saughtree, Bonchester Bridge, Roxburghshire, TD9 0SP (20.5 miles away)

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  • Langdon Beck Hotel – Teesdale

    Langdon Beck, Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham, DL12 0XP, North East (28.1 miles away)

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  • Aln Valley Cottages

    Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 4SJ (28.3 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

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  • Ingram House Bed and Breakfast

    Ingram, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 4LT (28.6 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

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  • The Star Barn – Ingram Valley

    Ingram Valley Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 4LU (28.7 miles away)

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