Alston Moor Observatory
Alston Moor Golf Club, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3DB, North West England
Alston Moor Observatory, opened in October 2024, offers visitors an exceptional experience of the North Pennines’ dark skies. Situated at Alston Moor Golf Club, the observatory is strategically located to take advantage of the region’s minimal light pollution, providing stunning views of the stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. Equipped with advanced telescopes and observing equipment, it attracts both amateur astronomers and enthusiasts seeking an immersive stargazing experience.
The observatory’s location within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) makes it a prime spot for observing the Milky Way and occasional meteor showers. With educational programs and stargazing events, Alston Moor Observatory promotes public engagement with astronomy and offers a unique chance for people to connect with the cosmos.
Location events organiser
Alston Moor Observatory organises events at this location
Please contact Alston Moor Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Alston Moor Observatory
Weather forecast
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16/09/25
12° 1% -
16/09/25
9° 1% -
17/09/25
10° 9% -
17/09/25
10° 91%
Weather forecast for Alston Youth Hostel (1.2 miles away) updated 16/09/25 at 20:02.
Local light pollution
Alston Moor Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a 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.
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.
Tue 16th Sep
Wed 17th Sep
Thu 18th Sep
Fri 19th Sep
Sat 20th Sep
Sun 21st Sep
Mon 22nd Sep
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 Alston Moor Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
Stay and gaze nearby
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