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University College London Observatory

University College London Observatory

553 Watford Way, Mill Hill Park, London, NW7 2QS

Best time to visit

The UCL Observatory is one of the best-equipped astronomical facilities for student training and research in the UK. It hosts regular free public open evenings, roughly fortnightly, on Fridays and some Saturdays during UCL’s autumn and winter terms (October–March inclusive).

University College London Observatory rooftop view

Location events organiser

University of Central London Observatory

University of Central London Observatory organises events at this location

Please contact University of Central London Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: University of Central London Observatory
Twitter: @ucl

Weather forecast

  • 25/04/26

    18° 1%

  • 25/04/26

    18° 0%

  • 25/04/26

    17° 0%

  • 26/04/26

    12° 4%

Weather forecast for Potters Bar (6.4 miles away) updated 25/04/26 at 06:01. Powered by Met Office data.

Local light pollution

University College London Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to an urban location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.

The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.

Light pollution map of University College London 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 Sat 25th Apr

Sat 25th Apr

First Quarter
60 % illuminated
Dark from 02:57 to 03:16
Dark for 0h 19m
Moon phase on Sun 26th Apr

Sun 26th Apr

Waxing Gibbous
70 % illuminated
Dark from 03:09 to 03:14
Dark for 0h 5m
Moon phase on Mon 27th Apr

Mon 27th Apr

Waxing Gibbous
79 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Tue 28th Apr

Tue 28th Apr

Waxing Gibbous
87 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Wed 29th Apr

Wed 29th Apr

Waxing Gibbous
93 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Thu 30th Apr

Thu 30th Apr

Full Moon
97 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Fri 1st May

Fri 1st May

Full Moon
100 % 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

  • Hampstead Garden Suburb Astronomical Society meeting

    Wednesday 29th April 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    Free Church Hall - Northway, Northway, NW11 7AG (3.1 miles away)

    More info

  • Letchworth and District Astronomical Society meeting

    Wednesday 29th April 2026 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Letchworth Observatory, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN (25.8 miles away)

    More info

  • Luton Astronomical Society monthly meeting

    Thursday 30th April 2026 from 19:15pm to 21:00pm

    Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton, LU2 7XP (21.1 miles away)

    More info

  • Informal observing evening with Crayford Manor Astronomical Society

    Thursday 30th April 2026 from 19:45pm to 21:30pm

    The Dick Chambers Observatory, Dartford, DA4 9HD (24.7 miles away)

    More info

  • Loughton Astronomical Society meeting and observing

    Thursday 30th April 2026 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Theydon Bois Scout Hall, Epping, CM16 7EJ (15.0 miles away)

    More info

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