Keele Observatory

Have you ever wished you knew more about the night sky? One of the places to take the kids and find out more is Keele Observatory near Stoke-on-Trent, which has regular public openings on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The observatory was founded in 1962 to house a 31cm refractor from 1874. There is now a second, 60cm refractor used for research purposes.

Choose a clear Tuesday night from October to March for your visit and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of celestial objects through the 31cm refractor. Even if the weather is not suitable for stargazing, staff will show visitors around. It may not be dark enough from April to September for viewing, but it may still be possible to watch the Sun, as long as it is high enough in the sky.

On Saturday afternoons the public can use special equipment to enjoy views of the Sun, weather permitting, or attend a ’telescope surgery’ offering help and advice.

There is also a Star Dome, an inflatable planetarium, in which Keele Astrophysicists can run planetarium shows for schools.

Open days/times

The observatory is normally open to the public on Tuesdays from 8pm to 10pm and on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Please see Keele Observatory’s website to confirm opening before travelling.