WHERE & HOW WE OPERATE (Important info below)
WHERE DOES NOVA OPERATE THEIR STARGAZING EXPERIENCES FROM?
Our stargazing sessions can be operated in a multitude of locations across the UK. The map shows some of the previous locations where we have run our experiences, since we began operating in 2022.
We include the first 50 miles of travel from CV37 9DA in the price of a stargazing experience and only require additional travel costs if your chosen location is further than 50 miles from this postcode. To find out about additional travel costs - click here
Recommended exclusion zones - Central city locations such as London (anywhere inside of the M25), Birmingham, Manchester or any other city centre. This is due to the heavy light pollution that greatly diminishes certain celestial objects, in particular deep sky objects. We always want to give our stargazers the best time not an average time.
READY TO BOOK?
*PERSONAL/COUPLES/FAMILY/FRIENDS (1-12 PEOPLE)*
*CORPORATE/WEDDING/GROUPS (12+ PEOPLE)*
*SCHOOLS (VARYING NUMBERS)*
HOW IT WORKS (STEP-BY-STEP).
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
Lunar & Planetary (1hr)
Origins (1.5hrs)
Evolution (2hrs)
Our stargazing experiences are suitable for anyone, either with prior knowledge in astronomy or not. Each stargazing experience focuses on something different about the universe, where you will be guided by our astronomer to see the most incredible sights through our large aperture te
Lunar & Planetary (1hr)
Origins (1.5hrs)
Evolution (2hrs)
Our stargazing experiences are suitable for anyone, either with prior knowledge in astronomy or not. Each stargazing experience focuses on something different about the universe, where you will be guided by our astronomer to see the most incredible sights through our large aperture telescopes that allow us to collect more light so we can see more distant objects in the night sky than the average back garden telescope. Our astronomers will explain about what you are seeing through the telescope so you get the big picture.
We will aim to capture some photos of the objects you observe through the telescope on the night of your stargazing experience.
2. CHOOSE A DATE & TIME
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
Enter the date/time of your choice at check-out in the box provided or by contacting us directly via e-mail, phone or whatsapp (stargazing experiences are only limited by hours of darkness, clear weather and availability).
Click here to view our current availability.
Pay via our website using PayPal, Credit or Debit card. BACS transfer is
Enter the date/time of your choice at check-out in the box provided or by contacting us directly via e-mail, phone or whatsapp (stargazing experiences are only limited by hours of darkness, clear weather and availability).
Click here to view our current availability.
Pay via our website using PayPal, Credit or Debit card. BACS transfer is also available. Once payment has been received you will be sent a booking confirmation and your date for stargazing is secured.
Looking for a gift card? - click here
Start times of experiences:
Jan-Mar (6pm-8pm)
Apr-Jun (8pm-11pm)
Jul-Sep (11pm-8pm)
Oct-Dec (8pm-5pm)
3. LOCATION
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
4. FORECAST UPDATE
3 options:
1. Locations within 50 miles of Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. Either we'll suggest a location we have used previously or find a location for your stargazing experience based on your postcode. Locations are usually within 5-20 mins of your postcode.
2. Locations further than 50 miles of CV37 9DA. We can travel to you for additi
3 options:
1. Locations within 50 miles of Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. Either we'll suggest a location we have used previously or find a location for your stargazing experience based on your postcode. Locations are usually within 5-20 mins of your postcode.
2. Locations further than 50 miles of CV37 9DA. We can travel to you for additional travel costs. We will source a location based on your postcode or if you have a location in mind let us know. (Location are normally within a 5-20 minute drive of your postcide, unless you are based in a city centre then they may be further).
Additional travel costs apply to any location beyond 50 miles of Stratford-Upon-Avon.
3 Stargazing from your back garden. This is possible for gardens that are suitable with minimal obstructions to the night sky.
(Get in touch and we can assess the suitability of your garden). Additional travel costs apply to locations beyond 50 miles of CV37 9DA.
4. FORECAST UPDATE
5b. CLEAR SKIES AND GOOD TO GO!
4. FORECAST UPDATE
Two days prior to your booking, we will contact you with an update on the forecast. At this point we'll have an idea as to whether we can go stargazing on your chosen date or if we need to look at alternative dates.
The weather in the UK is unpredictable and constantly changing, so we don't confirm the go ahead until the morning of your b
Two days prior to your booking, we will contact you with an update on the forecast. At this point we'll have an idea as to whether we can go stargazing on your chosen date or if we need to look at alternative dates.
The weather in the UK is unpredictable and constantly changing, so we don't confirm the go ahead until the morning of your booked date. If the forecasts are showing severely bad weather then we will let you know prior to the morning of the day.
We wait until the morning of the day as forecasts are typically the most accurate at this point and we'd rather not disappoint our customers by giving the go ahead too early.
5a. IF ITS TOO CLOUDY?
5b. CLEAR SKIES AND GOOD TO GO!
5b. CLEAR SKIES AND GOOD TO GO!
Sadly this happens, after all we are in the UK (haha)
If the skies aren't clear/too cloudy on the evening you have booked then we simply find another suitable date and try again. We will do this until we have been able to complete your stargazing experience.
On average it takes 1-6 attempts to complete a stargazing experience due to the unpredictable UK weather conditions.
5b. CLEAR SKIES AND GOOD TO GO!
5b. CLEAR SKIES AND GOOD TO GO!
5b. CLEAR SKIES AND GOOD TO GO!
Excellent! Let's go stargazing!
We will meet you at the predetermined location and the arranged time. Our astronomer will have the equipment ready prior to your arrival so you can start touring the night sky from the moment you arrive (unless we are coming to your home then we will need 30 mins prior to the start time).
Remember, wrap up
Excellent! Let's go stargazing!
We will meet you at the predetermined location and the arranged time. Our astronomer will have the equipment ready prior to your arrival so you can start touring the night sky from the moment you arrive (unless we are coming to your home then we will need 30 mins prior to the start time).
Remember, wrap up warm, bring a hot/delicious drink, food and chairs (if you want) and enjoy your night under the stars exploring our beautiful universe. See for yourself the mind blowing sights that are hidden from the naked eye with our high quality telescope.
WEATHER (Cloud Coverage)
WEATHER (Cloud Coverage)
WEATHER (Cloud Coverage)
Cloud coverage dictates when we can run our stargazing experiences.
PLEASE NOTE:
When booking there is no guarantee of clear skies on any given date. It typically takes 1-6 attempts to complete your stargazing experience due to bad weather in the UK.
How we update you:
1) Two days before your booking, you will receive an update on the forecas
Cloud coverage dictates when we can run our stargazing experiences.
PLEASE NOTE:
When booking there is no guarantee of clear skies on any given date. It typically takes 1-6 attempts to complete your stargazing experience due to bad weather in the UK.
How we update you:
1) Two days before your booking, you will receive an update on the forecast. This will give us an idea of how likely we are to go stargazing.
2) On the morning of your booking we will confirm if we can go stargazing or not.
(Typically <50% cloud means your experience is feasible to go ahead.)
3) If the night of your booking is a no-go due to bad weather then we will simply rebook until we have been successful in completing your stargazing experience.
***Please let us know if you are flexible on dates as if we have an available night when it's clear then we can notify you and offer then date to you.***
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
WEATHER (Cloud Coverage)
WEATHER (Cloud Coverage)
Warm clothing is essential for stargazing and not just in the winter.
The clearest nights are often the coldest ones for stargazing and even in the summer, temperatures can drop making it feel like winter again. The warmer you are dressed, the more comfortable you will be to enjoy your night under the stars.
Keep Warm Checklist:
- Boots or wel
Warm clothing is essential for stargazing and not just in the winter.
The clearest nights are often the coldest ones for stargazing and even in the summer, temperatures can drop making it feel like winter again. The warmer you are dressed, the more comfortable you will be to enjoy your night under the stars.
Keep Warm Checklist:
- Boots or wellies
- 2-3 Pairs of thick socks (thicker the better) - THIS IS A MUST!
- Thermal undergarments
- Thick coat
- Thin layered tops/jumpers
- Scarf/gloves/hat/ear muffs
- Hot water bottle
- Flask with a delicious hot drink of choice
- A mat to stand on
- Hand warmers
OPERATING AREA
OPERATING TIMES
OPERATING TIMES
Looking for "stargazing near me"?
Great! Although our home base is Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, we are mobile and able to run your stargazing experience in your home county across the UK.
In the price of each experience we include the cost of travel to any location <50 miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. This covers a number
Looking for "stargazing near me"?
Great! Although our home base is Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, we are mobile and able to run your stargazing experience in your home county across the UK.
In the price of each experience we include the cost of travel to any location <50 miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. This covers a number of location in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
We often travel to different locations across the UK for any one of our stargazing experiences so our customers can be closer to home. Previous customers have found this more convenient to be able to fit an experience around their busy lives. We do require additional travel costs which apply to locations further than 50 miles from CV37 9DA.
OPERATING TIMES
OPERATING TIMES
OPERATING TIMES
Night owl or early riser?
We've got you covered.
We operate all year round! Every single month from sunset to sunrise, whenever the skies are relatively clear.
Some objects are visible all night and others rise and set, so anytime it's dark is a great time to explore the night sky.
When you book your stargazing experience you can choose a
Night owl or early riser?
We've got you covered.
We operate all year round! Every single month from sunset to sunrise, whenever the skies are relatively clear.
Some objects are visible all night and others rise and set, so anytime it's dark is a great time to explore the night sky.
When you book your stargazing experience you can choose a time to suit you. Times for your chosen date will only be limited by hours of darkness and clear skies available (or if your booking involves observing specific objects).
(Please let us know if you have something in particular you want to observe and we will advise on the best time of year whether that's Jupiter, Saturn, Andromeda galaxy, Ring Nebula, Hercules Cluster, Bode's galxies, etc).
Welcome to the late nights and early mornings of an Astronomer.
Do Darker Skies Matter?
The image above shows the Bortle Scale and how light pollution affects the night sky. Darker skies are extremely important when viewing deep sky objects (DSOs) like galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. It's recommended to view these objects:
1. Away from light polluted areas (towns/cities).
2. Allow 20-30 mins for your eyes to become dark eye adapted away from any soruces of white light.
Even driving a few miles away from local dwellings will make all the difference. Head to www.gostargazing.co.uk and enter your postcode to find a dark sky spot near you.
We can research good locations that have darker skies but can't always guarantee they will be close to your home. If you're outside our normal radius (50 miles from CV37 9DA) we work hard to find a suitable spot that has dark skies but it may be a 30min-1hr drive from your home.
UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWING
When looking for a location with a good night sky view you need to think about a clear 360 degree view from the location you are considering. This is not always possible but the less obstructions, the better. Our image shows you a good location and a bad one.
If you are fortunate enough to have a garden / piece of land with an unobstructed view of the night sky and would like to do your stargazing experience at home, then please let us know.
LOCATIONS PERMISSIONS
If you have a location in mind that isn't on your property, then please make sure you have permission to use the site.
This is less of a consideration when it comes to public spaces such as parks, public green areas and other areas but some places still require permission to access the area. If you would like us to help then please pass on the information of the location and we will do our best to check this for you.
