Wynyard Planetarium & Jack Youdale Observatory
Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, TS21 3JG
Wynyard Planetarium and the nearby Jack Youdale Observatory is a popular stargazing location on the outskirts of Norton near Stockton away from the worst of the area’s light pollution.
The observatory, named after the much-loved local astronomer and telescope maker Jack Youdale, is home to a large aperture telescope and gives excellent views of the night skies. Volunteers frequently open the observatory for public stargazing sessions should weather permit.
The planetarium offers a digital projection system displaying full-dome movies. Regular “Public Star Show” presentations are given by experienced and enthusiastic astronomers.
As of September 2025, the planetarium is open to schools and youth groups with special events hosted in collaboration with Cosmic Wonders.
Members of Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society also hold their monthly meetings here.
It’s a great place to visit for families and suitable for anyone with an interest in astronomy!
Location events organiser
Teesside Astronomical Science Centre organises events at this location
Please contact Teesside Astronomical Science Centre directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Teesside Astronomical Science Centre
Twitter: @wwp_planetarium
Facebook: Teesside Astronomical Science Centre
Weather forecast
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16/09/25
15° 0% -
16/09/25
13° 4% -
17/09/25
12° 5% -
17/09/25
12° 62%
Weather forecast for Billingham (3.5 miles away) updated 16/09/25 at 20:02.
Local light pollution
Wynyard Planetarium & Jack Youdale Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a suburban location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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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 Wynyard Planetarium & Jack Youdale Observatory
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.
Tue 16th Sep
Wed 17th Sep
Thu 18th Sep
Fri 19th Sep
Sat 20th Sep
Sun 21st Sep
Mon 22nd 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 Wynyard Planetarium & Jack Youdale Observatory. 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.