Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory Kielder Observatory The Kielder Observatory is a centre for public outreach in the science of astronomy and physics.
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It serves to promote the universe to our guests, enabling people from all walks of life and levels of interest to access the visual splendour of the cosmos. Situated in probably the darkest night sky location in England, in the depths of the magnificent Kielder Forest, the observatory provides spectacular opportunities to see celestial objects such as planets, stars and galaxies in breathtaking detail.

03/06/2026

We've updated our online calendar! ✨

With summer dates filling up fast, you can now book tickets for events right through to the end of January.

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞🧲 Astronomers May Have Found Magnetic Fields on Alien WorldsIf you've ever used a com...
03/06/2026

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞
🧲 Astronomers May Have Found Magnetic Fields on Alien Worlds

If you've ever used a compass, thanked Earth's magnetic field for a good aurora display, or simply appreciated not being blasted by solar radiation... today's story is for you.

Astronomers have found the strongest evidence yet that some planets beyond our Solar System have magnetic fields of their own.

Using observations from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and the Gemini North telescope, scientists studied seven ultra-hot gas giants known as "Hot Jupiters" - worlds so close to their stars that a year can last just a few days.

While measuring the fierce winds whipping around these planets, researchers noticed something unusual. The winds weren't behaving as expected. Instead, the data suggests the movement of gas is being influenced by magnetic fields, giving astronomers their strongest indication yet that these alien worlds are magnetic.

Here on Earth, our magnetic field acts like a giant invisible shield, helping protect our atmosphere from the solar wind. Without it, our planet would be a very different place. Understanding magnetic fields on exoplanets could help scientists learn how planets evolve, how they interact with their stars, and even which worlds might be capable of holding onto their atmospheres. 🛡️✨

We can't see these alien magnetic fields directly yet, but we're starting to see their fingerprints.. bringing us one step closer to understanding what these distant worlds are really like.

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨🚂 The Whistle StopSet beside Chollerton's former railway station, The Whistle Stop is a ...
02/06/2026

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨
🚂 The Whistle Stop

Set beside Chollerton's former railway station, The Whistle Stop is a charming shepherd's hut designed for slowing down, switching off, and making the most of Northumberland's beautiful countryside.

Small in size but big on comfort, it combines cosy interiors with thoughtful touches, from homemade treats on arrival to a crackling wood burner for cooler summer evenings.

Think countryside walks, quiet mornings, and soaking in a private outdoor bath as the stars begin to appear overhead.

🛁 Private outdoor bath for stargazing evenings
🚶 Walking and cycling routes from the doorstep
✨ Peaceful dark skies and rolling countryside views

Just a short drive from Hexham, Corbridge, Hadrian's Wall and Kielder Observatory, it's the perfect base for exploring Northumberland's landscapes by day and its incredible dark skies by night.

After countless conversations about the Universe, many late nights at the observatory, and more than a few adventures ch...
01/06/2026

After countless conversations about the Universe, many late nights at the observatory, and more than a few adventures chasing the Northern Lights, it's time for us to say goodbye to Ishbel as she begins an exciting new chapter. ✨

Many of you will know Ishbel from our events, where she has spent years sharing her love of astronomy, space weather and the aurora with visitors from all over the world. Whether she was helping someone find their first constellation, explaining the science behind the Northern Lights, or answering one of those wonderfully tricky audience questions, she always brought curiosity, enthusiasm and warmth to every experience.

Alongside her work at Kielder Observatory, Ishbel has pursued her own research into aurora and space weather, taking her from Northumberland to the Arctic Circle and beyond. We're incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and grateful that we've been able to be part of that journey.

While we're sad to see her leave and will miss her dearly, we're even more excited to see where her passion for discovery takes her next. And whilst this may be goodbye for now, we hope it's not goodbye forever. Whether she's popping back to volunteer, joining us for an event, or simply visiting as a guest, there will always be a place for her here at Kielder Observatory.

Thank you, Ishbel, for sharing your knowledge, inspiring our guests, and helping make Kielder Observatory the place it is today. We wish you clear skies, spectacular aurora displays, and every success in your next adventure. 💚🌌

01/06/2026

A gentle reminder this Dinosaur Day to spend more time stargazing than the dinosaurs did 🦖🌌

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨🏡 Kielder CottageTucked within the peaceful landscape of Kielder Water & Forest Park, th...
29/05/2026

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨
🏡 Kielder Cottage

Tucked within the peaceful landscape of Kielder Water & Forest Park, this cosy cottage stay is all about slowing down and soaking up the surroundings.

With beautiful views across the forest and water, comfortable interiors, and nature right outside the door, it’s the kind of place where mornings begin quietly and evenings end beneath star-filled skies.

Think woodland walks, wildlife spotting, lakeside adventures, and nights spent looking up at some of the darkest skies in England.

🌿 Surrounded by forest, water, and walking routes
🐾 Pet-friendly and ideal for countryside escapes
✨ Peaceful evenings beneath the Northumberland Dark Skies

Just a short journey from Kielder Observatory, it’s a perfect base for discovering everything Kielder has to offer... by day and by night.

A relaxing countryside stay made for switching off and staying awhile.

Our astronomers do far more than point telescopes at the sky. They’re storytellers, educators, comedians (or so they lik...
28/05/2026

Our astronomers do far more than point telescopes at the sky.
They’re storytellers, educators, comedians (or so they like to think), explorers and endlessly curious people who love sharing the universe with others.

Whether they’re talking about the life cycle of a star, the mythology hidden in constellations, or the latest discoveries from deep space, every member of the team brings their own passion and personality to the experience.

It’s something we’re incredibly proud of, because Kielder Observatory has never just been about what’s above your head... it’s about the people who help bring it all to life. ✨

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞🎌Japan’s Red Northern Lights May Mean Solar Storms Are Stronger Than We ThoughtWhen m...
28/05/2026

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞
🎌Japan’s Red Northern Lights May Mean Solar Storms Are Stronger Than We Thought

When most people picture the Northern Lights, they imagine glowing green ribbons over Iceland or Norway…

But recently, scientists studying unusual deep red auroras seen over Japan discovered something surprising... some solar storms may be far more powerful than we realised.

These rare crimson auroras appear much higher in Earth’s atmosphere than the typical green displays we’re used to seeing. Scientists believe they’re caused by oxygen atoms glowing red after being energised by charged particles from the Sun.

What's interesting is some of these auroras were appearing over areas of Japan much further south than auroras normally reach. Suggesting Earth’s magnetic field may have been compressed harder during these solar storms than scientists originally thought.

And while they look beautiful, solar storms can have very real effects here on Earth; disrupting satellites, GPS systems, communications and even power grids.
The Sun is constantly interacting with our planet in ways we’re still trying to fully understand. ☀️

Calling all future astronauts, scientists and space explorers… 🚀✨Our Space Kids events are packed with hands-on activiti...
27/05/2026

Calling all future astronauts, scientists and space explorers… 🚀✨

Our Space Kids events are packed with hands-on activities, exciting experiments and cosmic discoveries designed for curious young explorers. Check out the upcoming dates on our website, take a look at the summer holiday schedule below, and join us for an out-of-this-world adventure this summer.

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞☁️ This Alien Planet Has Cloudy Mornings… And Clear EveningsAstronomers using the Jam...
27/05/2026

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞
☁️ This Alien Planet Has Cloudy Mornings… And Clear Evenings

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a bizarre weather pattern on a giant alien world nearly 700 light-years away from Earth. 🌌

The exoplanet, called WASP-94A b, appears to start its mornings covered in thick clouds… before clearing up later in the day.

Kielder Observatory would like to formally request this weather system immediately!

But these aren’t fluffy rain clouds like we get on Earth. Scientists think they’re made from vaporised rock and minerals, meaning this planet literally has clouds of sand and stone drifting through its atmosphere. 🪨☀️

WASP-94A b is a “Hot Jupiter”, a giant gas planet orbiting incredibly close to its star. One year there lasts just four Earth days, and temperatures become so extreme that minerals can evaporate into the sky.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers were able to study the planet’s “morning” and “evening” sides separately for the first time. They found the cooler morning side was hidden beneath thick mineral clouds, while the hotter evening side appeared much clearer.

Discoveries like this are helping scientists better understand alien atmospheres, especially on worlds we may one day search for signs of life.

Address

Black Fell
Kielder Forest
NE481HD

Telephone

+441912655510

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