Institute of Astronomy: Outreach and Public Engagement

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 evenings are now on summer hiatus, and will return in October 2026.

The Northumberland telescope dome, under a starry sky
Public Open Evenings

The Institute of Astronomy is open to the public every Wednesday evening 7 - 9pm between October and March.

A schoolboy drawing a planet
For Schools

We offer astronomy outreach for schools (KS2 and above): we can come to your school, or you can visit us. Talks and activities for every key stage.

 A girl looking through a telescope
Community group bookings

Book your community group for an astronomy evening at the Institute: a talk from our researchers and stargazing through our telescopes (weather permitting).

Events

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Public Open Evening (Talk TBD)

14 October 2026 7:15pm to 9:00pm Institute of Astronomy

Public Open Evening (Talk TBD)

21 October 2026 7:15pm to 9:00pm Institute of Astronomy

Public Open Evening (Talk TBD)

28 October 2026 7:15pm to 9:00pm Institute of Astronomy

Public Open Evening (Talk TBD)

4 November 2026 7:15pm to 9:00pm Institute of Astronomy

Public Open Evening (Talk title TBD)

11 November 2026 7:15pm to 9:00pm Institute of Astronomy

Other useful information