Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium
Salcombe Hill Road, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NY
The Norman Lockyer Observatory is both a historical observatory and home to an active amateur astronomical society. It is a centre for amateur astronomy, meteorology, radio astronomy, and the promotion of science education. The facility is publicly accessible during one of the many frequent open evenings (and open days during Summer) and is particularly ideal for families visiting the area whilst on holiday.
Location events organiser

Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society organises events at this location
Please contact Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society
Twitter: @NLOastronomy
Facebook: Norman Lockyer Astronomical Society
Weather forecast
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16/04/26
13° 11% -
16/04/26
13° 12% -
16/04/26
12° 7% -
17/04/26
11° 63%
Weather forecast for Seaton (6.6 miles away) updated 16/04/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium 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.
Light pollution map of Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium
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.

Thu 16th Apr

Fri 17th Apr

Sat 18th Apr

Sun 19th Apr

Mon 20th Apr

Tue 21st Apr

Wed 22nd Apr
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 Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.