Although the weather didn’t allow live stargazing, the visit was fascinating, looking to... read more
Although the weather didn’t allow live stargazing, the visit was fascinating, looking to... read more
We visited the observatory for a dark skies event about the moon and the night sky. It was... read more
We had a night at the Kielder Observatory on Friday 10th January 2014. On the drive up it was torential rain and as we arrived it stopped but was cloudy. We were given some really interesting information by Gary. As the talk finished as if it was scheduled, the sky had cleared and we were introduced to the telescopes by some of the team of volunteers.
In one night I saw Jupiter, a number of consellations and the Moon's craters, it really was a fantastic experience one I wish to repeat as soon as I can. Gary and the team are really down to earth friendly guys who are really enthusiastic about it and I cannot wait to go again!
My partner and I were invited along at last minute as 2 of the original party had dropped out of our group of 9. I was a bit so-so about going but agreed as it was something different. I was put of by the journey from Newcastle. I am so so so glad I went- it was truly amazing and worth every penny and second of travel time. Such a beautiful place, and fantastic talks and brilliantly friendly, easy to understand staff that can explain stuff as simply or as complexly as you want.
We saw Jupiter at opposition (at its brightest), Andromeda galaxy and a nebula on Orion which was jaw droppingly incredible. I'm obsessed with space stuff now :)
It's freaking freezing up there, so wrap up as warm as you can- think ski suits and you'll be ok!
Cups of tea available and you can buy a cute mug.
I managed to convince my 8 month pregnant wife to join me and explore this place on a cold rainy family night on the winter solstice night (21st of Dec 2013). The place is really remote (which gives a nice feeling that you are playing a true explorer role) and there was snow a really cold weather (a truly exploration scenario now!). Don't get me wrong, when you get inside the observatory, the staff is amazing, it is absolutely popular and it was fully booked. We were given a perfect presentation of the universe by Gary ( the founder) and got demonstrations on both big telescopes that they have. The place has a small heating fire place, but It is still cold on the telescope areas, so take warm clothes and a thermal
Flask with tea. Me and Erica loved it every second! We are just planning the second visit for May...this time taking our parents with us!!! thanks Gary and all the staff for a wonderful night of fun and knowledge!
Since our first visit at the end of August 13 we have bought a telescope, been back twice and forced some friends to come with us.
Each time we've visited it's been very cloudy but its cleared up enough throughout the evening to see just how wonderful the night sky is up there, and tantalise us with imagining how great it will be when we finally visit on a clear night.
Our last visit was Saturday 14th December which was really very cloudy and we managed to see the moon through the clouds and that's just about it. I have to say even though we didn't get the opportunity to see much, its still a great evening. Its a really friendly environment.
I appreciate it must be difficult judging the level of interest and understanding during the 'talk' but each time we have been the talk has been as enjoyable (and last night more enjoyable) than the actual observing. My Husband and I have found the science fascinating and it's never been pitched at too high a level that we haven't been able to follow, if anything we've been left wanting more of the science, more of the images of stars forming and the grain of salt hubble telescope photograph just keeps on coming back into my mind...
If I had to suggest a new event it would be geared to those who have already dipped their toes into the universe and want to know a lot more about it but don't have the capacity to leave work and enrol on an astrophysics degree
Also we have a telescope and would love to take it with us one evening, the website isn't very clear about which night to do that. We've been to the aurora, universe and Jupiter evenings now and I don't feel like it would have been appropriate at any of those evenings. Perhaps public observing is the night, and if it's not maybe that might also be an idea for an evening.
negatives - its really cold, takes ages to get to as its in the middle of nowhere (hence dark sky status) and the toilet it truly an adventure. I think perhaps they didn't anticipate the number of visitors when they put one composting toilet in an observatory that now has approximately eighty visitors a day. Top tip, don't drink much water during the day you go and hope you don't have to avail yourself of the facilities.
I really can't recommend this place enough. Stop reading reviews about it and go and book yourself onto an event. You will not regret it.
2 people - midweek night - early in month - booked (WE THOUGHT!) - No answer to, at least 3, 'phone calls we made to check. - No proper confirmation received at all from them - Good job we took payment receipts (still got the impression they thought we were trying it on!!). - Weather a problem to start with but cleared later to give good views.
Founder/Director Gary to be applauded for his knowledge, drive and enthusiasm for what has been achieved. Albeit he kept his head down when we were having our reception probs. and later seemed too busy to be approached to see if our second booking for 2 nights later actually existed.
Volunteers, once we got to the actual viewing, were brilliant (in particular, Neil - thank you) [have given extra mark for him and Rob?).
Best part of whole evening was stood on outside deck, in this marvellous location, looking at the night sky with our naked eyes.
Not sure that was what the event was supposed to be about! We did this, just as well, on two earlier evenings in the week from our rented cottage garden, near Belford.
Too many people there (am sure we were considered part of that problem - as we had supposedly not booked???) - Too little telescope time - Something of a shambles moving groups about.
Perhaps needless to say we did not drive over again 2 nights later (4 hours round trip) only to suffer the same fate!
- Maybe try for a more successful visit sometime in the future. - 4 marks is prob. too generous but should have been 5+.
Good luck to you all in your quest for Dark Sky Park status.
Surrounded by miles of beautiful forest and very little light pollution kielder is definately one of the best star gazing spots in the country. On a clear night so much of the sky is visable and would be perfect for star and meoteor spotting. Although sadly during the lyrids the weather interefered ( clouds ) but still such a beautiful place by night and definately worth visiting star gazing and exploring. There are lots of lovely local country pubs on the way to/back from the observatory and lots of beautiful wildlife that may pass by.