Public Open Evenings

We are open on Wednesday evenings through the winter season; October - March

Entrance is free

no need to book unless you are a large group

So what happens on a Wednesday?

A researcher from the Institute presents a half-hour public talk, and we try to cover a range of astronomical and cosmological topics at a fairly general level.
The talk begins promptly at 7.15pm and the main entrance doors are open by 6.50pm.

List of talks for the 2009/10 winter season

The weekly handout

The talk is followed by an opportunity to look through the historical Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes if the weather is clear.
Members of the Cambridge Astronomical Association set up their 8-inch telescope along with a modern 14-inch telescope with video projection facility and expert commentary.
If you wish to skip the talk and go straight to the telescopes, please do not turn up at the telescopes before 7.45pm, as we shall still be setting up and you will be in the way...

The talk always occurs but of course we can't guarantee observing will take place, as it is weather-dependent! If it's cloudy then we offer you a cup of tea as recompense...

How do I know whether observing will take place?

We make a decision at around 645pm whether we will open the telescopes or not, and it's entirely weather-dependent; we can't observe if its misty/raining/cloudy/very windy. Basically - if you can't see any stars, then niether can we!

You can consult the weather forecast for Cambridge or our live all-sky camera from the roof of the Observatory building

What do I need to bring?

Remember that the observing may be cold, so please wrap up warmly. You are welcome to bring a torch to help you find your way about the site; but if so, please wrap up the end in something seethrough and RED (such as a transparent sweet wrapper) so you don't lose your (or anyone else's) night vision.

How do I find you and where do I park?

We have maps showing how to find the IoA . There is plenty of parking available , with 3 car parks along Madingley Rise. It is perhaps sensible to allow a little time for finding parking and walking back to the IoA; you can always drop off people at the main entrance before finding parking. We'd appreciate it if you don't park along the verge or pavement of Madingley Rise, for safety's sake.

What about children?

Children are of course welcome; but please be aware that not all the talks will hold their interest for 30 minutes. Please look at the talk schedule to see which might be particularly suitable for a younger audience. Alternatively, it's always possible to sneak out during the talk and look at the pretty pictures around the department instead till the observing begins.

Group Parties

Group parties (ie 10+) people are welcome; however, we try to limit groups to only one per session to retain the 'drop-in' public nature of the evening. We ask that you arrange any such group visit with us in advance by contacting Carolin Crawford (csc AT ast.cam.ac.uk or 01223 337510). If you want to see who's already booked in ahead of you, please have a look at the talk schedule; please also note that we do not usually book groups for the two open evenings during the Cambridge Science Festival (10th and 17th March). Thank you for your cooperation on this

What about disabled access?

The building, lecture theatre, outside floor show and one of the two historical telescopes all are wheelchair-accessible. There is a disabled parking place next to the front door at the left. Do please get in touch with us if you have any specific concerns.

If you have any queries please feel free to contact Carolin Crawford (csc AT ast.cam.ac.uk or on 01223 337510).

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