Join us for 2026 Stargazing at RAL where we’ll have plenty of activities for the whole family, whatever the weather.

Date: Friday 23 January 2026

Time: 17:15 – 20:45

Cost: Free

Venue: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus

There’ll be meteorites, rocket building, comet making, a series of fascinating talks, robots, and of course, stargazing. There will also be a telescope clinic run by partners, Newbury Astronomy Society, so please do bring yours along if you need help setting it up.

We’ll have experts on hand to explain how we’re using our particle accelerators, Diamond Light Source, the Central Laser Facility and the ISIS Neutron & Muon Source, to learn more about space.

For more information and to book, click the button below. Bookings open on Friday 9 January 2026 on the registration page linked below.

Stargazing Talks Online

Join us online for live streaming of our astronomy talks and shows for families and adults alike. This year, we’ll be hosting three talks online, including a planetarium show of the night sky.

Discoveries at the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, with the Astronomer Royal

The Astronomer Royal is an honorary position advising the monarch on astronomical matters. Professor Michele Dougherty is the current Astronomer Royal, appointed in July 2025, and is the first woman to hold the title in 350 years. Michele serves as an advisor to the King on astronomical matters.  One of the most important realisations that planetary scientists have come to in the last 30 years is that in the search for potential habitability in our solar system, the focus need not only be on planets close to the Sun.  Based on observations from instruments on the GALILEO spacecraft at Jupiter and the CASSINI spacecraft at Saturn, there are many potential places in our solar system where liquid water oceans may exist below the surface. On Earth, life thrives in the deepest, darkest parts of our oceans near hydrothermal vents. Could life similarly evolve or survive in the ocean floors of Jupiter’s three largest moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.

Comet Show

Have you ever wondered what a comet really is? Join us to discover more about why comets are called ‘dirty snowballs’ and learn more about a space mission to land on one! During this show, we will explain what makes comets different from other things in space and help cook up a dry-ice comet as part of the comet show. Fun for all the family! 

A short trip around the night sky

Join us for guaranteed cloud-free trip around the night sky to learn some of the easier to spot constellations and to hear some of the stories around them. Sit back and enjoy the stories of the skies. 

Bookings go live on Friday 9 January 2026 on the registration page linked below.