The Dark Skies Campaign organises regular viewing events throughout the observing season (August to April). These are often held at our Dark Sky Discovery Centre in Thorington Street, in the various villages within the Dedham Vale National Landscape or further afield.
See below for our upcoming and past events.
10:00am to 12:00pm 29th March 2025 Flatford Mill CO7 6UL
Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing
On Saturday the 29th of March there will be a partial eclipse of the Sun. This will start at 10am and finish at 12:00pm. We will have a number of telescopes set up so that you can safely view the Sun as the moon passes in front of it and takes a bite out of it!!! The maximum eclipse will be at around 11am
This event will take place at Flatford Mill in the Granary Garden which is beside the cafe by the dock and behind the John Constable Exhibition.
GoStargazing have provided us with 200 pairs of Solar Eclipse Glasses to enable the Sun to be viewed safely during the eclipse. We are giving these glasses away free while stocks last.
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTION. Even though this eclipse partially covers the Sun the light from the Sun is still very strong and can cause damage to your eyes. Our glasses and telescopes have proper protections to enable the Sun to be viewed safely.
As usual this event is free to attend. National Trust parking charges apply. For more details of accessibility and the National Trust facilities click here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford
5:45pm, 22nd February 2025 The Anchor Inn, Nayland CO6 4JL
Planets on Parade and Orion the Hunter
On Saturday 22nd February there will be a chance to see a line up of the Planets in our Solar System. As the sun sets the planets of Mercury, Saturn and Venus will be close to the Horizon whereas Jupiter and Mars are up above us.
After viewing the Planets we will head indoors to learn about the constellation of Orion The Hunter which is prominent in the late winter skies. Orion is a hotbed of gems with the violent and explosive gas and dust clouds surrounded by the burning stars which light them.
Following the talk you will be able to go outside and have a look at the beauty of the Orion Nebula through telescopes.
The venue for the evening will be the Anchor Inn at Nayland CO6 4JL. We will be starting at 5:45 viewing the planets at sunset. The talk will start at 6:30 and we will return outside again between 7:15 and 7:30. During this time the Inn will be open for drinks and Food. Please contact the Anchor Inn directly on 01206 262313 or www.anchornayland.co.uk to book food.
We have a limitation of numbers for the talk indoors. So please book in advance by emailing [email protected] to secure your places.
*** LOCATION CHANGE ***
Due to the popularity of the comet event we have changed the location to Polstead Church. The Church has an unobstructed view to the South West and can cater for more participants. Viewing will start at 7pm with the presentation at 8pm.
7pm, 25th October 2024 @ Polstead Church, CO6 5BS
Comet Tsuchinshan in our skies tonight
The Comet named Tsuchinshan - Atlas A3 is currently in our early evening skies and will be visible for a couple of weeks more as it returns to the outer solar system. Our talk tonight will feature Tsuchinshan, the origin and life cycle of comets.
Every now and again there are spectacular comets that circumnavigate the sun and put on spectacular shows for us. Tsuchinshan was hyped by the media to be one of these. Does it live up to its promise?
Doors open at 7pm with the presentation starting at 8pm. There will be observing sessions both before and after the talk. The comet will only be visible during the early observing session.
There is no charge for this event, but will be a donations box. All proceeds will be donated to the Church fund.
To book please email [email protected] with the number of guests in your party.
8pm, 27th September 2024 @ Dark Sky Discovery Centre, Thorington Street
The King, Queen and the Elegant Swan
Discover the spectacular Autumn Constellations at our Dark Sky Discovery Centre. There will be a presentation about the constellations of Cepheus the King, Cassiopeia the Queen and Cygnus the Swan. These 3 are the prominent constellations visible during autumn.
You will discover both the visible and less prominent features ranging from the star patterns down to the incredible deep sky images of the stellar nurseries, nebula and dust clouds that are present in these areas within our home Galaxy: the Milky Way.
After the talk there will be refreshments provided which will be followed by observing through telescopes guided by our expert team of Astronomers (weather permitting)
Places are limited to 30 guests so booking is essential email [email protected] to reserve your seat.
