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Institute of Astronomy - Public

 

Welcome to Public Engagement at the Institute of Astronomy! Use the links below to explore our outreach activities, including our weekly public open evenings and opportunities for community groups and schools.

Our stargazing events will resume on 8th October 2025: book now if you'd like a group visit.

To have an astronomer visit your classroom, visit our Schools page.

Public Open Evenings

Wednesday Public Open Evenings

The Institute of Astronomy is open to the public every Wednesday evening 7 - 9pm between October and March. Entrance is free, and there is no need to book (unless your group has more than 15 people). Each evening consists of a 30 minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent) stargazing!

For Schools

For schools

We would be happy to provide astronomy outreach for your school -- either an astronomer can visit your school, or we can arrange for your group to visit our department. We can offer a range of presentations and activities suitable for all key stages. If you think you might be interested, please get in touch!

Community Groups

For community groups (including brownies, cubs, etc.)

We are happy to accept bookings for community groups to visit the Institute. The visit would consist of an age-appropriate astronomy talk, followed by either some stargazing (weather dependent!), or a tour of our antique telescopes. We are happy to accommodate earlier visits for younger groups of cubs or brownies.

Media requests

Media Requests

We are happy to accomodate media requests, and can provide expert commentary on any recent astronomical discoveries and and upcoming observable events in the night sky. Please contact a member of our outreach team for more information!

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Upcoming Public Talks

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Institute of Astronomy

University of Cambridge

Madingley Road

Cambridge CB3 0HA

Tel:+44 (0)1223 337548

Fax:+44 (0)1223 337523

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