Autumn provides the perfect opportunity to take a step back, take a breather from the busy summer that just passed us by (very quickly, might I add), cosy up in chunky jumpers, and partake in activities that allow us to appreciate the beautiful world we live in.
It’s truly time for serenity and Kielder Observatory makes for the perfect backdrop to gather inspiration by breathing in the crisp air and looking up to the sky full of mesmerising stars.
For those who enjoy nature; those who need a break from busy schedules and ever-ringing phones; and those who have an interest in astronomy, we introduce the Kielder Observatory.
Launching in 2008, Kielder Observatory had humble beginnings with a few dozen events every year, but as the years went by, the fanbase of the conservatory grew, sharing a common passion for all-things-universe.
Today, Kielder Observatory is one of the largest outreach observatories for astronomy in the UK, gathering families, couples, and universe explorers of all ages. They host 700 events a year, with most of them having so much demand, they need to be booked in advance.
Their calendar is always packed with exciting events, here are just a few of them to get you excited:
The Secret Lives Of Stars At Kielder Observatory
25 September, 8 pm – 11 pm
This one is a wonderful opportunity to learn about these tiny twinkling lights in the sky we call stars.
The Gold Tier Dark Sky Park of Northumberland and Kielder Water offers a breathtaking spectacle, allowing us to gaze into 3,00 visible stars on a clear night.
At The Secret Lives Of Stars event you will get an opportunity to not only observe stars but also learn about their purpose, their life cycle, and their integral part to our universe.
On a clear night, you will get to use high-powered, large-aperture robotic telescopes, as well as smaller manual telescopes, all with the guidance of expert astronomers navigating you around the cosmos to fascinating objects such as Planets, the Moon, Double Stars and more.
If for some reason the weather does not provide you with an opportunity to observe, the team at Kielder Observatory will talk you through the ways ancient astronomers navigated the cosmos, and take you on a virtual tour.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain – there will be tea, coffee and their famous hot chocolate!
Book your tickets here.
Introduction To Astronomy At Kielder Observatory
27 September, 5 pm – 7 pm
For those who are new to the astronomy world, this is highly recommended. Learn the basics of astronomy, from the difference between telescope and binoculars, stars and light years, and get lost in the world of constellations.
This event is guided by experienced astronomers at Kielder Observatory, who will make sure all your questions are answered and you leave with plenty of new knowledge.
It’s the perfect event to attend and feel inspired, discover the world around us and possibly, introduce little ones to stars through the use of telescopes, why and how we use them.
There will also be an opportunity to get your hands on some rocks from other worlds across the solar system that unveil how our planet formed 4.5 billion years ago.
Book your tickets here.
Discovering New Worlds At Kielder Observatory
28 September, 8 pm – 11 pm
If you’ve ever wondered if there is life outside of our planet, this event is perfect for you. A hot topic today, and ever, it’s one the team at Kielder Observatory loves to talk about.
As each year goes by, we get closer and closer to discovering the answer to this question. New technology allows us to explore new planets, and we analyse those planets in the hunt for life.
Exoplanets, or Extra Solar planets, have been a topic of conversation among astronomy enthusiasts for years. At Kielder Observatory, you will get a unique chance to go through the most up-to-date discoveries and find out how we go about exploring new planets, how we detect whether there’s life there, and how many worlds even are there.
Get all your answers on 28 September.
Book your tickets here.
Young Explorers
30 September, 5 pm – 7 pm
Aimed at all ages from 7 upwards (and secondary school age too!), this event will infuse enthusiasm and passion in little ones.
This event will walk your whole family through Kielder Observatories’ astronomical ark, their robotic telescopes and how to use them. No doubt the most exciting part of the event will be getting your hands on pieces of the solar system, a collection of meteorites, and a chance to stand on a piece of Mars, and touch a piece of the Moon!
Young Explorers is all about igniting passion and a new-found interest in the minds of little ones. It will also prove to be a fruitful family day out, bonding over the wonders of the universe.
Book your tickets here.
The Dark Cosmos At Kielder Observatory
3 October, 8 pm – 11 pm
This one will be perfect for those, who enjoy a bit of mystery. Learn all about dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. By the time you’re done – you will know all of the biggest universe’s secrets.
Some other topics this event will cover include answering hot questions such as: why is the universe expanding, what ingredients do we need to create our own universe, why do black holes exist and where do they lead?
You will get your hands on some new, breakthrough technology to aid you in your discoveries. Such as Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, Extremely Large Telescope, and Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, to name a few.
Expect to get some insightful tips and techniques on how to navigate the night sky from Kielder Observatories’ passionate and enthusiastic team.
Book your tickets here.
Origins Of the Universe
4 October, 8 pm – 11 pm
If your head is full of questions about the universe, how it began, how long has it been around, and how will it end, then Origins Of The Universe is a must-attend gathering.
Get ready for a journey through space and time. Fly through the cosmos unlocking some of the mysteries our planet keeps in its pocket. The team at Kielder Observatory will cover all things solar system, the scale of our planet, the Big Bang and our perception of it, which might make you feel so tiny in the world so big, and answer questions about our physical universe as a whole and what it means to exist within it.
As with most of their events, this one will guide you through their observatory. You will get to see their telescopes and use them to discover objects in our own galaxy, provided the skies are clear!
Book your tickets here.
