Suitable for ages 7+

Essential Information

Type Planetarium shows
Location
Royal Observatory
Date and Times Weekends and school holidays in December | 2.30pm
Prices Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student & Under 25: £8

Free for members. Not a member? Join now

From the Earth’s closest neighbour in space, our Moon, to the moons of the distant gas giants, this show explores our Solar System’s many natural satellites. 

Presented live by Royal Observatory astronomers, you will discover more about the wide range of shapes and sizes that these moons have, as well as features such as enormous craters, active volcanos and even underground oceans.

Recommended ages 7+. Under-5s will not be admitted – Ted's Space Adventure is suitable for younger children.

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About the Peter Harrison Planetarium

The Royal Observatory is home to London’s only Planetarium. 

Lie back in reclining seats and watch as the dome above you fills with stunning simulations of the night sky. Astronomers can show you the sky as it appears on the date you visit, travel deep into the Universe and display amazing astronomy photography and video. 

During live shows there’s often a chance to ask questions after the show: don’t miss your chance to speak to a real space expert!

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

Plan your visit

All planetarium shows including Moons Beyond Counting 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.

Show times

Moons Beyond Counting runs at 2.30pm on weekends throughout December. Additional mid-week shows will also be available during the Christmas holidays – see the booking calendar for full details.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 children attend?

Yes! This show is suitable for ages 7+. Children under 5 will not be admitted. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

How long will the show last?

Planetarium shows last up to 30 minutes.

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?

You do not need a Royal Observatory ticket to visit the Planetarium. However, if you would also like to visit the historic observatory then you can book a separate ticket here.

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

What’s On

See more Royal Observatory events and planetarium shows.

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
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
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
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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
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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
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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

Choose your tickets

Please book your planetarium show tickets at least 24 hours in advance. Planetarium tickets do not include entry to the Royal Observatory.

Planetarium show

Moons Beyond Counting

  • Weekends & holiday weekdays in September
  • Suitable for ages 7+
  • Not available for under 5s
Adult £12.00
Child £6.00
Student & Under 25 £8.00
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Planetarium shows

Planetarium tickets for members

  • Free tickets for members
  • Pick your preferred show
  • Membership card number required

Advance booking recommended

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Become a Member

  • Unlimited entry all year
  • Royal Observatory
  • Cutty Sark
  • Planetarium Shows
  • Special exhibitions
Direct Debit One-off
Individual: £50 Individual: £60
Family: from £60 Family: from £70
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