Essential Information

Type Events and festivals
Location
Online
Date and Times Available now
Prices Free

To mark the anniversary of Apollo 17 and 50 years since humans last set foot on the Moon, the Royal Observatory Greenwich held a live observation of the lunar surface online.

Hosted by Public Astronomy Officer Dr Gregory Brown, we took a detailed look at the Moon through the Royal Observatory's Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope, and examined the giant leaps for mankind made by the Apollo programme.

You can watch back the broadcast here:

We also delve into the history of lunar observation, as well as the next phase of exploring our celestial neighbour: NASA's ambitious Artemis programme.

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Visit the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Maritime Museum

What’s On

More events at the Royal Observatory.

Earth From Space
Exhibitions

Earth From Space

See the world through a satellite’s lens, and explore our changing planet at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Open daily | 10am-5pm
Free for Planetarium show ticketholders and Royal Observatory visitors
Royal Observatory
The Sky Tonight
Planetarium shows

The Sky Tonight

A classic guide to the night sky presented live by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer
Daily except Thursdays
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Observatory Unlocked
Experiences

Observatory Unlocked

Drop by and chat with our Royal Observatory Explainers as they bring science and astronomy to life
Saturdays and Sundays
Included with Royal Observatory admission
Royal Observatory
Ted's Space Adventure
Planetarium shows

Ted's Space Adventure

Join Ted the bear on an adventure around the Solar System in this special live planetarium show for under-7s - perfect for little astronauts everywhere!
Weekends and school holidays
Adults £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System
Planetarium shows

Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System

Experience the Solar System like never before - by travelling on a spacecraft that can turn the objects in space into sound!
Weekends and school holidays
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Starstruck
Planetarium shows

Starstruck

Discover the birth, life and death of a star presented live by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer
Weekends and school holidays in November
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Astronomy and Islam
Planetarium shows | Community astronomy

Astronomy and Islam

Join us for a special show featuring the New Crescent Moon and historic Islamic astronomy
Select Saturdays and Sundays | 10.30am
£10 Adult | £5 Child
Royal Observatory
Moons Beyond Counting
Planetarium shows

Moons Beyond Counting

Learn more about our own Moon and some of the more exotic moons of the Solar System in this show narrated by our Royal Observatory astronomers
Weekends and school holidays in December | 2.30pm
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
Royal Observatory
Intermediate Astronomy
Courses | Astronomy courses

Intermediate Astronomy

Acquire a rigorous scientific understanding of the Universe with the Royal Observatory Greenwich
10-week modules held on Tuesday evenings | See page for full dates
£205 per module
Royal Observatory
Foundation Astrophysics
Courses | Astronomy courses

Foundation Astrophysics

A series of ten-week courses on more advanced topics in astrophysics
10-week modules held on Tuesday evenings | See page for full dates
£200 per module
Royal Observatory
Chinese Astronomy
Planetarium shows

Chinese Astronomy

From stars to space exploration, explore ancient and modern Chinese astronomy in this live planetarium show
Saturday 14 December 2024 | 10.30am
Adult £10 | Child £5
Royal Observatory
Winter Solstice Festival
Events and festivals

Winter Solstice Festival

Join the Royal Observatory and the Royal Parks for a day of activities celebrating the winter solstice, and discover the science behind the shortest day of the year
Saturday 21 December 2024 | 12-6pm
Free
Royal Observatory
Introduction to Astrophysics
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astrophysics

Explore topics at the cutting edge of scientific research and the limits of human knowledge
Six-week courses held on Tuesday evenings | See page for full dates
£96
Royal Observatory
Amateur Astronomy For Beginners
Courses | Astronomy courses

Amateur Astronomy For Beginners

A course for those looking to make astronomy into a hobby
Six-week courses held on Tuesday evenings | See page for full dates
£96
Royal Observatory
South Asian Astronomy: Holi Show
Planetarium shows | Community astronomy

South Asian Astronomy: Holi Show

Celebrate the festival of colours by learning about South Asian connections to the objects we see in our night skies
Saturday 8 March 2025 | 10.30am
£10 Adult | £5 Child | Free Companion Tickets
Royal Observatory
Introduction to Astronomy
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astronomy

Learn the basics of astronomy at the home of time and space
Six-week courses held on Tuesday evenings | See page for full dates
£96
Royal Observatory

Main image: Moon: Big Mosaic by Andrea Vanoni, Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2022