The Royal Observatory Greenwich is not just a historic attraction – we also run a wide array of events for adults and children. 

Whether you're interested in taking a look through our telescopes at an evening late event, enjoying family astronomy workshops during the holidays, learning all about our incredible universe on an astronomy course, or attending talks by astronomy and astrophotography experts, we have something for you. 

Explore the programme below.

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The Royal Observatory's historic Flamsteed House building lit up at dusk, with the lights of Canary Wharf visible in the distance

Evening lates

Throughout the year we invite you into the Observatory after hours for talks, panel discussions, film screenings, or unique opportunities to do some observing yourself. 

Our talks programme ranges from 'Meet The Author' sessions to panel discussions with top astrophotographers at our yearly Evening of Astrophotography. Each year, our annual summer and Christmas lectures bring in experts on the cutting edge of astronomical research. 

If you're keen to have a look through modern telescopes with real astronomers, come along to an Evening with the Stars in winter or an Evening with the Moon in summer and see these wonders with your own eyes. 

Or maybe you just want to wind down on a Saturday evening and watch a classic sci-fi film in the unique venue of the Peter Harrison Planetarium, in which case our Silver Screen Sci-Fi events might be up your alley. 

Keep an eye on our what's on listings or sign up to our space newsletter to hear about new evening late events. 

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Two people looking up at a large telescope under a partially open domed roof..

Space Lives

Our Space Live streams bring the wonders of the Universe directly into your home. 

Previous broadcasts have included livestreaming the 2025 partial solar eclipse and holding a Moon viewing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 17. 

More recently, our community livestreams have involved searching for the new crescent Moon to signal the start of Ramadan or Eid-al-fitr in the UK.

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Image of a family standing in an area surrounded by greenery, with two children holding small handheld cylinders up to their faces

Fun for children and families

We run a number of activities to spark children’s curiosity and inspire a passion for space and science. 

During school holidays we put on events including interactive workshops with astronomers - the perfect way to keep the kids entertained whilst learning along the way. 

Keep an eye on what's coming up below, or sign up to our families newsletter

What’s On

See upcoming events for families at the Royal Observatory.

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Image showing what resembles a dust and gas cloud in the shape of a hourglass, in golden tones with the bottom part a vivid blue

Adult astronomy courses

Our astronomy courses are your chance to learn about the incredible universe we live in from experts at the Royal Observatory. With courses available for varying knowledge levels, ranging from an Introduction to Astronomy to Foundation Astrophysics, join us for engaging evening classes at the National Maritime Museum.

What’s On

Courses | Astronomy courses

Intermediate Astronomy

Acquire a rigorous scientific understanding of the Universe with the Royal Observatory Greenwich
10-week module held on Tuesday evenings | See page for details
£205 per module
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astrophysics

Explore topics at the cutting edge of scientific research and the limits of human knowledge
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

An Introduction to Life in the Universe

Are we alone in the Universe? Join this online adult course for an introduction to astrobiology and an exploration of how astronomers search for alien life
Six-week course held on Monday evenings | See page for details
£96
Online
Courses | Astronomy courses

Amateur Astronomy For Beginners

A course for those looking to make astronomy into a hobby
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astrophotography

Learn how to take images of the night sky in Royal Observatory Greenwich's online introductory astrophotography course
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
Online
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astronomy

Learn the basics of astronomy with expert tutors from Royal Observatory Greenwich
Six-week courses held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Foundation Astrophysics

A series of ten-week courses on more advanced topics in astrophysics
10-week module held on Tuesday evenings | See page for details
£200 per module
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astronomy Online

Learn the basics of astronomy at the home of time and space in this online course
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings starting 21 April 2026
£96
Online
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A family enjoy looking through a telescope during a science demonstration at the Royal Observatory

Drop-in sessions

We run a number of drop-in sessions for you to get involved with astronomy in action during your visit to the Royal Observatory. 

Each weekend our Observatory Explainers are dotted around the site, delivering live science demonstrations and astronomy sessions for all ages during our Observatory Unlocked sessions. You can have a go at using a telescope, see if you can work a sextant, and more. 

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An audience staring up at a domed blue light projection of space.

Planetarium shows

The Royal Observatory is home to London's only planetarium, which operates six days a week with an array of different shows, all presented by our very own astronomers. 

We've got something for all ages covering different topics; whether you want to find out all about what's in the sky above you in The Sky Tonight, tour the Solar System in Meet the Neighbours, or take your little ones on a cosmic voyage in Ted's Space Adventure

Please note that the Peter Harrison Planetarium will close on Monday 8 September to prepare for an exciting transformation project at the Royal Observatory.