Marlborough Dark Skies

28/04/2026

Our very own Nick Howes, space systems technical lead at BMT and long time space enthusiast, writer and public speaker, explores satellites, collisions, debris and the plethora of threats that could lead to global meltdown, in his upcoming talk "What if we lost access to space?"

Join Nick on Thursday 21st May from 2.15pm at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Bath

Click the link for more information and to book your FREE ticket

Satellites, collisions, debris and the plethora of threats that could lead to global meltdown.

20/01/2026

Amazing opportunity to come to Spacefest '26, a celebration of space with all its links to Wales and the West. Amateur astronomers, space research scientists, museum professionals, educators and space linked groups and organisations, all coming together to say hello to you at Aerospace Bristol.

Saturday 7th March 9:30am to 5pm.

Great for families and individuals - something for everyone. Morning talks have everyone in mind and Afternoon talks go a little deeper into the science of Exoplanets.

Tickets available via https://aerospacebristol.org/wales-west-spacefest

Cardiff Astronomical Society Bristol Astronomical Society British Interplanetary Society Herschel Museum of Astronomy Space Detectives

20/01/2026

Some amazing shots from last night......

25/11/2025

Look up this evening.... clouds permitting!

🤩 🛰️ 🤩 Look out, folks, for an incredibly bright pass of the International Space Station over the UK early this evening (25/11/25)... 🤩 🛰️ 🤩

Cloud-free skies are forecast, too! Look towards the South West around 17:19 GMT for a bright star-like object moving across the sky. It will easily be visible to the naked eye, flying over the gorgeous crescent Moon and Saturn. Try using binoculars, if you have them! Clear skies!

17/10/2025

We are all very much looking forward to seeing everyone at this evening's Q&A in the Town Hall, starting at 6pm. If you haven't booked your ticket.... there is still time!

If you are driving to the event, PLEASE REMEMBER that this is a Mop fair weekend and so the High Street will be closed to traffic from 12 noon today. Please allow enough time to get here, park up and walk to the venue.

Also, just a little reminder that Meteorites will be on sale (CASH ONLY PLEASE!) in a range of sizes from small at £5 to medium at £10 and large at £20 (all with certificates).

The proceeds from any sales will go towards funding more sky quality meters to support the excellent work of a team of volunteers taking meter readings of our night sky in Marlborough and across the North Wessex Downs.

Doors open at 5.30pm..... see you all soon!

Join us for an evening under the stars as we dive into all things astronomy at Marlborough Town Hall - your cosmic questions answered......

15/10/2025

Meet our expert panel member #3 ..... Henry Oliver

Henry is the Director of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (AONB) - a partnership who want to ensure this landscape remains a place where vast night skies can thrill the eye, unaffected by light pollution. Ask Henry about protection and enhancement of the landscape, dark sky policy, and the National Landscape as a whole.

Join us for an evening under the stars as we dive into all things astronomy at Marlborough Town Hall - your cosmic questions answered......

14/10/2025

Meet our expert panel member #2 ..... Nick Howes

Nick is a Test Analyst and Space R&D Lead at BMT Defence and Security, a world leading engineering and R&D group responsible for the design of the QEC aircraft carrier.

Nick was formerly with the science communications team at the European Space Agency, based out of ESTEC, and communications team for the SKA Telescope public portal and website. Nick has over 20 years career experience in science communication and test engineering. Qualified to Master’s Degree level, Nick spent 16 years heading up the test team, and product planning/development at Yamaha’s Research and Development in London, before becoming the Deputy Director of the Kielder Observatory and Pro-Am Programme Manager for the twin Faulkes Telescopes. Co-discoverer of multiple asteroids, in 2019, Nick hit international headlines with the potential discovery of the Apollo 10 lunar module “Snoopy".

Join us for an evening under the stars as we dive into all things astronomy at Marlborough Town Hall - your cosmic questions answered......

13/10/2025

Come and join us for an exciting Astronomy Q&A session on Friday 17th October at The Town Hall, from 6pm - 7pm.

Tickets are FREE via Eventbrite, and are limited to 50 only.

Whether you're a novice curious about the night sky or a seasoned astronomer with tons of questions, this event is your chance to chat, learn, and explore the cosmos together. Bring your curiosity and put our panel of experts to the test!

Submit your question in advance to ensure it gets answered on the night, by email to [email protected]

Suitable for ages 8 years and over

All questions welcome. A 4.6 billion year old meteorite will be awarded to the person with the best question!

Meteorites will be on sale in a range of sizes from small at £5 to medium at £10 and large at £20 (all with certificates). The proceeds will go towards funding more Sky Quality Meters to support the excellent work of a team of volunteers taking meter readings of our night sky in Marlborough and across the North Wessex Downs.

This event is brought to you by Marlborough Town Council, The Blackett Observatory - Marlborough College and NWD National Landscape (AONB)

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS WEEKEND IS MOP WEEKEND AND SO THE HIGH STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC....ALTHOUGH ALL OTHER CAR PARKS WILL REMAIN OPEN

Join us for an evening under the stars as we dive into all things astronomy at Marlborough Town Hall - your cosmic questions answered......

13/10/2025

Meet our expert panel member #1 .......Gavin James

Gavin is the Director of the Blackett Observatory at Marlborough College, where he teaches Astronomy. He has been involved with astronomy at Marlborough College for over seven years.

Alongside his teaching, he regularly hosts groups at the Observatory with visitors ranging from primary school children to retired pensioners. His passion for Astronomy has grown throughout his life and when he is not talking about the night sky, he is photographing it from both the Blackett Observatory and his own back garden observatory.

He has published two books of his astronomy images and held multiple exhibitions. He was short-listed for the International Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition in 2018. Gavin sat the Astronomy GCSE himself in 2019 and is now studying for a BSc in Astronomy. Prior to his professional involvement in astronomy, he spent 15 years as a professional horse racing photographer

Oh and please remember, this weekend is Mop weekend and so the High St will be closed to traffic.....

Join us for an evening under the stars as we dive into all things astronomy at Marlborough Town Hall - your cosmic questions answered......

10/10/2025

There is still time to get your FREE tickets for next weeks Q&A...... an evening to be enlightened!

Join us for an evening under the stars as we dive into all things astronomy at Marlborough Town Hall - your cosmic questions answered......