Guided Astronomy Evenings

A blend of our popular Open Evenings and Private Visits, our Guided Astronomy Evenings will involve a 2-hour guided tour of Bayfordbury Observatory, including a talk on Astronomy by one of our Astrophysics students, a planetarium show, and an opportunity to observe some wonders of the night (or day!) sky through our range of telescopes, weather permitting.

Depending on the weather, between October and March, we will attempt to view targets in the night sky. Between April to September, we will attempt use our solar telescopes to reveal features on the Sun's surface.

Guided Astronomy Evening dates will be listed here. To sign up for one of our visits, please follow the link below to book a place. These visits are perfect for individuals, families or small groups that otherwise wouldn't meet the requirements for minimum numbers of our Private Astronomy Visits. Visit contents are aimed at an audience of all ages, unless stated otherwise in the list of upcoming visits below.

If you would prefer a private visit, please see our "Private Astronomy Visits" page.

While there is no lower age limit for our Guided Astronomy Evenings, they are not recommended for very young children due to the structured style of the event which includes periods of sitting and focusing. Our Open Evenings offer a less structured event, where visitors are free to walk around and spend as much or little time as desired at each section.

Please email astro-events@herts.ac.uk with any questions.

What is included?

A Guided Astronomy Evening will include:

a talk from one of our astronomy students
a tour of the sky in our Planetarium
a tour of our telescopes including viewing some objects through them if weather permits