Astro Dog
The Northern Lights - An Evening at Sherwood Observatory - 14th November 2026 - 8pm
The Northern Lights - An Evening at Sherwood Observatory - 14th November 2026 - 8pm
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Join the experienced astronomers, astrophotographers and aurora chasers from Astro Dog for an in-depth and visually stunning presentation on one of nature's most breathtaking light shows - the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
This in-depth evening will give you everything you need to understand, prepare for, photograph and make the most of the aurora - whether you're hoping to see it from your back garden or planning a trip to the Arctic.
But this isn't just a talk. After the presentation, you'll experience an immersive ~25-minute film in Sherwood Observatory's spectacular 10-metre 360° planetarium dome, before having the chance to observe breathtaking deep sky objects through the observatory's 24" telescope - one of the largest optical telescopes available for public use in the UK (weather permitting).
This event will be held at Sherwood Observatory, Nottinghamshire, starting at 8:00pm on Saturday 14th November 2026.
The evening is expected to conclude at around 10:00pm - though if the skies are clear, stargazing may continue a little longer!
Featuring images and time-lapse footage of the Northern Lights captured from the North York Moors, across the UK and from Arctic regions, join us in the amazing Sherwood Observatory to enjoy a colourful and informative presentation about the Aurora including:
- The history and mythology surrounding the Northern Lights.
- Why this incredible natural phenomenon occurs.
- What the Aurora looks like to the eye versus the camera and the different forms it can take.
- How to plan for and be able to predict Auroral displays.
- Hints and tips on how best to view the Aurora yourself.
- Information on how to capture your own stunning images of the Northern Lights with smartphone, DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Astro Dog have been chasing, studying and capturing images of the Aurora for over a decade. Many of their Northern Lights images and time-lapse sequences have been showcased on national news broadcasts, the BBC One Show, and in national media publications such as the Times, the Telegraph and the BBC Sky at Night. Over many years of Aurora chasing, they have gained deep insight into the Northern lights and have a great passion for teaching others about the wonders of the Universe and all the amazing natural light shows that can be seen in our night skies.
After the aurora talk guests will enjoy an immersive ~25minute film in the observatory's spectacular 360 degree planetarium.
Following this, (weather permitting) guests will enjoy some stargazing and have the chance to view amazing celestial treats using the observatory's incredible 24" telescope - one of the largest optical telescopes available for public use in the UK!
History and Mythology
Learn about the history and mythology surrounding the Northern Lights, including important scientific discoveries, legends, stories and theories from throughout the ages.
The Science behind the Aurora
Discover the science behind what creates the magical light displays that we see here on Earth.
Nature's Greatest Light Display
Featuring images and timelapse footage captured from the UK and Arctic regions. See the different forms the Aurora can take and how it can appear to the eye compared to cameras.
How to Predict Displays
Learn about useful resources that can help you know when to go chasing. Learn about space weather data and how to (some extent) be able to predict Northern Lights displays.
Hints and Tips
Get hints and tips on how to prepare for and maximise your chances of witnessing nature's greatest light display.
Capture your own Images
Learn information that can help you in capturing your own stunning images of the Northern Lights with your mobile phone, DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Immersive Planetarium Experience
After the aurora presentation, you'll be transported on a breathtaking journey through the cosmos in Sherwood Observatory's spectacular 360° planetarium.
Stargazing with One of the UK's Largest Public Telescopes
Weather permitting, the evening concludes with the chance to observe distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters through Sherwood Observatory's 24" telescope, one of the largest optical telescopes available for public use in the UK!