Nestled within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape International Dark Sky Reserve, Knowlton Observatory is the home of Fordingbridge Astronomers. The observatory features two telescope domes and provides members with access to excellent dark skies for observing and astrophotography. Visits are by prior arrangement only, ensuring a welcoming and well-supported experience for those attending.
Location events organiser
Fordingbridge Astronomers organises events at this location
Please contact Fordingbridge Astronomers directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Fordingbridge Astronomers
Facebook: Fordingbridge Astronomers
Weather forecast
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10/07/26
34° 1% -
10/07/26
32° 0% -
10/07/26
29° 0% -
11/07/26
23° 0%
Weather forecast for Fordingbridge (8.1 miles away) updated 10/07/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Knowlton Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a 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.
Fri 10th Jul
Sat 11th Jul
Sun 12th Jul
Mon 13th Jul
Tue 14th Jul
Wed 15th Jul
Thu 16th Jul
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 Knowlton Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
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