Ticketed

Essential information

Type
Talks and tours
Location
Date and times Friday 31 July 2026 | 6.30-8pm
Prices £10 Adults | £9 Students

15% discount for Members. Not a Member? Join now

Tickets available soon

With increasing light pollution and improving satellite technology, our view of the night sky is transforming. It is now deemed a privilege to witness dark skies across the globe.

But there are ways to protect our skies. From changing lighting procedures at night, to considering access-restricted areas and the effect on nocturnal ecology, there are many ways to ensure our beauty hotspots remain unspoiled.

Astrophotography as a photographic medium has surged in popularity. Taking photographs of the stars and the night sky not only inspires through the art of image-making, but shows us what is really happening above our heads. It also encourages us to consider what we can do to promote change, allowing us to identify the responsibilities we all have as night photographers in setting a standard for the industry.

Join author and award-winning astrophotographer Josh Dury for an exclusive evening talk on our changing skies, hosted by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich in the National Maritime Museum. 

There will also be copies of Josh's excellent book, 52 Assignments: Night Photography, on sale on the night and available as an optional addition to the event ticket.

Tickets will be available soon.

Image
A young man with short dark hair stands facing the observer. He is wearing a dark suit jacket and blue shirt. Next to him is a camera and tripod set-up to look at the sky. In the background is a beautiful image of space containing thousands of beautifully coloured stars.

About Josh

Josh Dury, also known as the ‘Starman’, is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer, filmmaker, public speaker and writer from the Mendip Hills AONB in Somerset, who specialises in capturing natural world subjects, including astrophotography, landscapes and wildlife. 

He and his work have been widely featured in the media, including appearances on the BBC, ITV, CNN and many other media outlets. His images have received notable endorsements, including from NASA, the European Space Agency, Buzz Aldrin and Tim Peake. He also acts as a Delegate of Dark Sky International for Bristol, UK.

Image
The front cover of the book 52 Assignments: Night Photography by Josh Dury. The cover is blue and covered with a series of images of space

52 Assignments: Night Photography

52 Assignments: Night Photography is a portfolio of workshops designed to put the creativity back into your camera craft. It's filled with a year's worth of weekly commissions and concepts for conceiving and composing breathtaking photos. 

The assignments range from how to best capture the dazzling light displays of auroras, to photographing the sky through the night to create stunning star trail images.

Whether you are starting out and need a guide to the basic techniques of night photography or you are a seasoned pro looking for some fresh ideas, you'll find an assignment here that will teach and inspire you.

The book will be on sale both on the night and as an addition to your ticket.

It costs £12.99 with a 10% discount for Members.

Plan your visit

Visiting the National Maritime Museum

The lecture will take place in the Lecture Theatre within the National Maritime Museum.

The Museum is a short walk from the centre of Greenwich, with regular DLR, rail, bus and river boat services available.

For more information, see our guide to getting to the Museum.

Can wheelchair users access the Lecture Theatre?

Yes. Please select a wheelchair user ticket when booking. When you arrive, talk to a member of staff and they will show you to the lift down to the Lecture Theatre. A staff member will need to operate the lift.

The lift has a width of 77cm and a length of 125cm. The maximum weight limit for the lift is 340kg. 

We can accommodate up to two wheelchairs per show.

Royal Museums Greenwich offers free entry for one person accompanying disabled visitors. Companion tickets can be selected with any paying ticket.

If you are a wheelchair user and would like to let us know about your visit, or if you have any other queries regarding accessibility, please visit our accessibility webpage or contact bookings@rmg.co.uk.

Are companion tickets available?

Royal Museums Greenwich offers free entry for one person accompanying disabled visitors. Companion tickets can be selected with any paying ticket.  

What’s on

More space and astronomy events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Exhibitions | Space and astronomy

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition

See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Open daily until 3 August 2026 | 10am-5pm
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student £9
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Experiences | Space and astronomy

Unboxing the Universe

Blast off on an unforgettable journey through space in this exciting science theatre show, and answer some big questions about the Universe along the way
Sat & Sun 1.30pm and 3.30pm | Fri-Mon (School holidays only) 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
£16 for adult / child / student ticket
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Space and astronomy

Astronomy LEGO brick club

Join us for a LEGO brick building club themed around the night sky
Every Friday | 2.30-4.30pm | Except 5 June, 10 July, 21 August 2026
Free
National Maritime Museum
Workshops | Space and astronomy

Time to Make poetry workshops

Join us for a series of workshops exploring space and time through poetry
Monday 1, 8, 15 and 29 June 2026 | 2.30-4.30pm
Free | Pre-booking required, contact ROGHeritage@rmg.co.uk to book
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Museum Lates

Astrophotography - Our changing view of the Universe

Join astrophotographer Josh Dury as he discusses the importance of protecting our view of the night sky
Friday 31 July 2026 | 6.30-8pm
£10 Adults | £9 Students
National Maritime Museum

Header image: The Way of the World © Josh Dury - shortlisted in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024