The Royal Observatory Greenwich is not just a historic attraction – we also run a wide array of events for adults and children.
Whether you're interested in taking a look through our telescopes at an evening late event, enjoying family astronomy workshops during the holidays, learning all about our incredible universe on an astronomy course, or attending talks by astronomy and astrophotography experts, we have something for you.
Explore the programme below.
Image
Evening lates
Throughout the year we invite you into the Observatory after hours for talks, panel discussions, film screenings, or unique opportunities to do some observing yourself.
Our talks programme ranges from 'Meet The Author' sessions to panel discussions with top astrophotographers at our yearly Evening of Astrophotography. Each year, our annual summer and Christmas lectures bring in experts on the cutting edge of astronomical research.
If you're keen to have a look through the telescopes of the Observatory (like the 130-year-old Great Equatorial Telescope or a small modern telescope) with real astronomers, come along to an Evening with the Stars in winter or an Evening with the Moon in summer and see these wonders with your own eyes.
Or maybe you just want to wind down on a Saturday evening and watch a classic sci-fi film in the unique venue of the Peter Harrison Planetarium, in which case our Silver Screen Sci-Fi events might be up your alley.
Keep an eye on our what's on listings or sign up to our space newsletter to hear about new evening late events.
Image
Community planetarium shows
We want to make the planetarium accessible to a wide range of people and allow different communities to learn about space with us.
From exploring Astronomy and Islam with the New Crescent Society, to shows about Chinese or South Asian astronomy, we put on regular programming to discover astronomy in different cultures.
Speak another language? Our Bilingual Families programme is ideal for people who want to experience astronomy and the Observatory in languages other than English. Previous languages covered include French, Greek, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish and Portuguese. Keep an eye on our Bilingual Families webpage to see when new shows are announced.
Our Morning Stars shows, meanwhile, are designed for those who would benefit from a calmer and more relaxed environment in the planetarium, in particular those with autism.
What’s On
See upcoming community astronomy planetarium shows and events.
Image
Space Lives
Our Space Live streams bring the wonders of the Universe directly into your home.
Previous broadcasts have included livestreaming the 2022 partial solar eclipse and holding a Moon viewing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 17.
More recently, our community livestreams have involved searching for the new crescent Moon to signal the start of Ramadan or Eid-al-fitr in the UK.
Image
Fun for children and families
We run a number of activities to spark children’s curiosity and inspire a passion for space and science.
During school holidays we put on events including interactive workshops with astronomers - the perfect way to keep the kids entertained whilst learning along the way.
Keep an eye on what's coming up below, or sign up to our families newsletter.
What’s On
See upcoming events for families at the Royal Observatory.
Image
Adult astronomy courses
Our astronomy courses are your chance to learn about the incredible universe we live in from experts at the Royal Observatory. With courses available for varying knowledge levels, ranging from an Introduction to Astronomy to Foundation Astrophysics, join us for engaging evening classes at the home of space and time.
Students get to study in a unique environment supported by a range of equally unique resources, including expert tutors, a state-of-the-art digital planetarium, and the country’s largest lensed telescope.
Adult courses for 2024/2025 are on sale now.
What’s On
See upcoming astronomy courses.
Image
Drop-in sessions
We run a number of drop-in sessions for you to get involved with astronomy in action during your visit to the Royal Observatory.
Each weekend our Observatory Explainers are dotted around the site, delivering live science demonstrations and astronomy sessions for all ages during our Observatory Unlocked sessions. You can have a go at using a telescope, see if you can work a sextant, and more.
Or, join one of our drop-in Young Astronomers workshops. These are free science workshops for young people which cover a range of fascinating topics, all included in your planetarium or Royal Observatory ticket.
Image
Planetarium shows
The Royal Observatory is home to London's only planetarium, which operates six days a week with an array of different shows, all presented by our very own astronomers.
We've got something for all ages covering different topics; whether you want to find out all about what's in the sky above you in The Sky Tonight, learn about surveilling Earth from space in We Are Guardians, or take your little ones on a cosmic voyage in Ted's Space Adventure.
See what's on and get involved
