Abberton Reservoir Observatory and Visitor Centre
Abberton Reservoir, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EU
Essex Wildlife Trust property and excellent stargazing location away from the worst of the local light pollution.
In 2024 the location became home to a new observatory equipped with a powerful telescope with which members of the public can observe the night skies.
The venue hosts regular stargazing events organised by the Tiptree Star Gazers.
Location events organiser
Tiptree Star Gazers organises events at this location
Please contact Tiptree Star Gazers directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Tiptree Star Gazers
Weather forecast
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09/07/26
29° 4% -
09/07/26
28° 5% -
09/07/26
24° 5% -
10/07/26
20° 5%
Weather forecast for Colchester (5.3 miles away) updated 09/07/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Abberton Reservoir Observatory and Visitor Centre is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.
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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 Abberton Reservoir Observatory and Visitor Centre
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 9th Jul
Fri 10th Jul
Sat 11th Jul
Sun 12th Jul
Mon 13th Jul
Tue 14th Jul
Wed 15th Jul
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
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