An enthusiastic team of volunteer astronomers runs the Hanwell Community Observatory. The location is home to the incredible John Wall telescope, a 30-inch refractor and the largest ever constructed by a single individual. Visitors are welcome for private stargazing sessions; however, prior booking is required.
Location events organiser

Hanwell Community Observatory organises events at this location
Please contact Hanwell Community Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Hanwell Community Observatory
Twitter: @HanwellObs
Facebook: Hanwell Community Observatory
Weather forecast
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16/05/26
13° 85% -
16/05/26
13° 87% -
16/05/26
12° 60% -
17/05/26
10° 22%
Weather forecast for Banbury (2.2 miles away) updated 16/05/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Hanwell Community Observatory 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.
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.

Sat 16th May

Sun 17th May

Mon 18th May

Tue 19th May

Wed 20th May

Thu 21st May

Fri 22nd May
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar