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Hampstead Observatory

Hampstead Observatory

Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London, NW3 1DU

Best time to visit

The Hampstead Observatory, lovingly refurbished by the dedicated and enthusiastic astronomers from the Hampstead Scientific Society and re-opened in September 2019 is home to a stunning 6″ Cooke refracting telescope which offers stunning views of the skies above London. The facility is opened to the public every Friday and Saturday night (strictly weather permitting) during the observing season from mid-September through to mid-April (closed during Summer months), with tickets being made available at short notice via their Eventbrite page.

Location events organiser

Hampstead Scientific Society

Hampstead Scientific Society organises events at this location

Please contact Hampstead Scientific Society directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: Hampstead Scientific Society
Facebook: Hampstead Scientific Society

Weather forecast

  • 30/09/25

    17° 4%

  • 30/09/25

    16° 3%

  • 01/10/25

    14° 0%

  • 01/10/25

    13° 1%

Weather forecast for Hampstead (0.1 miles away) updated 30/09/25 at 16:02.

Local light pollution

Hampstead Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to an urban 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 Hampstead 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 Sep

Tue 30th Sep

First Quarter
50 % illuminated
Dark from 22:06 to 04:49
Dark for 6h 43m
Moon phase on Wed 1st Oct

Wed 1st Oct

First Quarter
60 % illuminated
Dark from 23:24 to 04:51
Dark for 5h 27m
Moon phase on Thu 2nd Oct

Thu 2nd Oct

Waxing Gibbous
70 % illuminated
Dark from 00:46 to 04:53
Dark for 4h 7m
Moon phase on Fri 3rd Oct

Fri 3rd Oct

Waxing Gibbous
79 % illuminated
Dark from 02:11 to 04:54
Dark for 2h 43m
Moon phase on Sat 4th Oct

Sat 4th Oct

Waxing Gibbous
87 % illuminated
Dark from 03:37 to 04:56
Dark for 1h 19m
Moon phase on Sun 5th Oct

Sun 5th Oct

Waxing Gibbous
94 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Mon 6th Oct

Mon 6th Oct

Full Moon
98 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS

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

  • Putteridge Bury Observatory Public Open Evening

    Tuesday 30th September 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    University of Bedford - Putteridge Bury Campus, Luton, LU2 8LE (25.5 miles away)

    More info

  • Thurrock Astronomy Society meeting

    Wednesday 1st October 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Horndon-on-the-Hill Methodist Hall, Horndon-on-the-Hill, SS17 8LQ (25.3 miles away)

    More info

  • Havering Astronomical Society Young Astronomers Group

    Thursday 2nd October 2025 from 19:00pm to 20:00pm

    Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster, RM14 3NS (19.9 miles away)

    More info

  • Guildford Astronomical Society lecture meeting

    Thursday 2nd October 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH (28.2 miles away)

    More info

  • Putteridge Bury Observatory 100 Hours Under One Sky (free!)

    Thursday 2nd October 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    University of Bedford - Putteridge Bury Campus, Luton, LU2 8LE (25.5 miles away)

    More info

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