Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Planetarium shows
Location
Royal Observatory
Date and Times Select Saturdays and Sundays | 10.30am
Prices £10 Adult | £5 Child

10% off for members. Not a member? Join now

This programme is run in collaboration with the New Crescent Society.

Our Astronomy and Islam shows are held before the predicted sighting of the next New Crescent Moon. A Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer will guide you through the stars in a special planetarium show, usually followed by a short presentation from the New Crescent Society, a Muslim community-led astronomy organisation. Free entry to the Historic Royal Observatory Site is included with this show.

There are a few variations of this show, each focusing on slightly different aspects.

Sunday 1 December: The Sun

10:30am | Royal Observatory Greenwich 

This show is about the connection between Islam and our closest star. It explores how the Sun’s position relates to both the times and direction of prayer. 

Recommended ages 11+. No under 5s. 

Saturday 25 January: Introduction Show

10:30am | Royal Observatory Greenwich 

This show is a general introduction to some of the links between astronomy and Islam. It features how to spot the next New Crescent Moon, how Arabic astronomers helped lay the foundation of modern astronomy, and different tales of Arabic constellations.

Recommended ages 7+. No under 5s. 

Sunday 23 February: Family Special

10:30am | Royal Observatory Greenwich 

This version of the show is most suitable for families with younger children. It focuses on the Arabic stories behind some of the constellations visible on the night of your visit and the New Crescent Moon.

Recommended ages 7+

Plan your visit

All planetarium shows including Astronomy and Islam are available to book online and by phone. Shows are very popular and often sell out: to prevent disappointment, we recommend booking tickets in advance.

Click here to book online or contact the Bookings team on 0208 312 6608. The office is open Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm.

Check out the full list of upcoming planetarium shows and events here.

Frequently asked questions

Can children attend?

Yes! Most of our Astronomy & Islam shows are suitable for ages 11+ with children under 5 not being admitted. The Family Special show is recommended for ages 7+, though younger children will be admitted. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

How long will the show last?

The planetarium shows last up to 30 minutes, followed by a talk from a community leader lasting up to 15 minutes.

When should I arrive?

Please allow enough time to get to us and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show’s start time on your ticket, as latecomers cannot be admitted.

Can I bring a pushchair?

Pushchairs are not allowed into the planetarium itself, but there is a designated buggy park in the foyer.

Can I visit the Observatory too?

Yes! Each ticket purchased includes free access to the historic observatory site.

What provisions are in place to support those with additional needs?

From choosing the best show and ticket type to being inside the planetarium, check out our full accessibility information here.

I have another question.

Check our frequently asked questions here. If you're still not sure, call or email the Bookings team.

Call: +44 (0)20 8312 6608

Email: bookings@rmg.co.uk

Where is the Peter Harrison Planetarium?

The Peter Harrison Planetarium is part of Royal Observatory Greenwich, quick, easy journey from central London via train, DLR and bus.

The Planetarium itself is located on the lower floor of the Modern Astronomy Centre (sometimes referred to as the ‘South Building'). If you come to any part of the Royal Observatory site, staff can guide you to the Planetarium.  

Please note that the Observatory is at the top of a steep hill within Greenwich Park, around a 15-minute walk from the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House. Latecomers cannot be admitted once a show has started, so please check your route beforehand.

Getting to Greenwich

Find the Planetarium on Google Maps

What’s On

Find more events at the 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
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
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
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
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
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 in Greenwich Park
Events and festivals

Winter Solstice Festival in Greenwich Park

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
Meet the Neighbours
Planetarium shows

Meet the Neighbours

Tour the Solar System and beyond in style with this live, immersive show packed full of spectacular sights and fun facts
Weekends and school holidays in January
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8
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
Star Makers: Visions of the Cosmos in Art
Talks and tours | Museum Lates

Star Makers: Visions of the Cosmos in Art

Join us as we explore representations of the Universe through art.
Friday 21 February 2025 | 6.30-7.30pm
Adults: £10 | Students & Under-25s: £9
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