WHERE & HOW WE OPERATE
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.
HOW IT WORKS (STEP-BY-STEP).
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
Lunar & Planetary (1hr)
Origins (1.5hrs)
Evolution (2hrs)
All of our stargazing experiences are suitable for any knowledge level in astronomy, from total beginner to advanced. Each stargazing experience focuses on a particular aspect of the universe, where you will be guided by our astronomer to see the most incredible sights through our large aperture telescopes. These telescopes allow us to collect more light meaning we can see more distant objects in the night sky than the average back garden telescope. Our astronomers will explain in comprehensive detail about what you are seeing through the telescope so you get the full picture.
We will also aim to capture photos of some of the objects you observe through the telescope on the night of your stargazing experience.
2. CHOOSE A DATE & TIME
Let us know the date/time of your choice at check out or by contacting us directly via e-mail, phone or whatsapp (only limited by hours of darkness, weather and availability).
Click here to view our current availability.
You can pay for your experience online via our website via PayPal, Credit or Debit card. If BACS is the preferred method then an invoice will be sent to your e-mail within 24hrs. Once payment has been received you will be sent a booking confirmation from us and that is your stargazing date secured.
If you are 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
3 options:
1. If you live within 50 miles of Stratford-Upon-Avon,CV37 9DA, then we will either suggest a location we have used previously or find a location for your stargazing experience based on your postcode. This may or may not be within the immediate vicinity of where you live.
2. If you live further than 50 miles, then we can travel to you. Again we will source a location based on your postcode. (This location will normally be within a 5-20 minute drive of your home, unless you are based in a city centre). Additional travel costs apply to any location beyond 50 miles of Stratford-Upon-Avon.
3. We can stargaze from your back garden. This is only possible for gardens that are suitable with minimal obstructions to the sky.
(If you'd like us to assess the suitability of your garden then please get in touch). Again additional travel costs apply outside of 50 miles.
4. CLOUD FORECAST
Two days prior to your booking, we will contact you with an update on the forecast. This gives us an idea as to whether we will be able to go stargazing on your chosen date or if we need to look at alternative dates.
The weather in the UK is extremely unpredictable and is constantly changing, so we don't confirm the go ahead until the morning of your booked date unless it looks like an absolute uncertainty due to seriously bad weather on the forecasts. On the morning of the day, the forecasts are typically the most accurate and we'd rather not disappoint our customers saying it's good enough to go ahead only for things to change for the worse by calling it too early.
5. IF ITS TOO CLOUDY?
Sadly this happens, after all we are in the UK (haha)
If the skies aren't clear (or <50% cloud coverage) on the evening you have booked then we simply find another suitable date and reschedule. We will do this until we have been able to complete your stargazing experience.
On average it will take 1-6 attempts to complete a stargazing experience due to the unpredictable UK weather conditions.
6. 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 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.
