Kirkhill Observatory
Kirkhill Forest, Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, AB21 0TU, Scotland
Kirkhill Observatory is the observing site of Aberdeen West Astronomy Group, situated within Kirkhill Forest near Aberdeen. The site provides a dedicated base for the group’s practical astronomy activities, with a converted container serving as a warm room and secure storage for telescopes and observing equipment.
Public stargazing sessions are scheduled throughout the observing season, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the night sky alongside experienced local astronomers. As observing is dependent on clear skies, scheduled dates may be changed or rearranged according to the weather.
Location events organiser
Aberdeen West Astronomy Group organises events at this location
Please contact Aberdeen West Astronomy Group directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Aberdeen West Astronomy Group
Facebook: Aberdeen West Astronomy Group
Weather forecast
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12/09/26
21° 25% -
12/09/26
19° 5% -
12/09/26
16° 2% -
13/09/26
14° 2%
Weather forecast for Aberdeen (6.4 miles away) updated 12/09/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Kirkhill 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 12th Sep
Sun 13th Sep
Mon 14th Sep
Tue 15th Sep
Wed 16th Sep
Thu 17th Sep
Fri 18th 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 Kirkhill Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.