Royal Observatory Doors Open Days

The Royal Observatory Edinburgh is a working site where cutting-edge science takes place every day. Meet scientists and engineers who work at The UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh University's Institute for Astronomy and the Higgs Centre for Innovation at Doors Open Days on 24 and 25 September.

After holding several virtual events during the pandemic, the Royal Observatory is back for their first in-person Doors Open Days since 2019! A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes and find out more about the amazing astronomy and scientific innovations taking place on Blackford Hill.

Activities across the weekend include tours of the Victorian building and telescope dome, astronomy crafts, demonstrations from ground-breaking telescope projects and space and tech start-ups. There will also be a chance to talk to and hear from scientists, astronomers, engineers and technicians who work on exciting international projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope; the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio telescope; the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile and more.

Entry is free, there will be limited spaces on the door but visitors are encouraged to book a time slot in advance to guarantee entry on the day.