Mills Observatory is opening early next week for one night only

Mills Observatory is reopening for one night only next week. (Picture: Craig Doogan)

Mills Observatory is offering astronomy fans a rare treat this month with a one-off evening event ahead of its winter season reopening.

The popular Dundee attraction, which will officially reopen on Wednesday 1 October, is inviting visitors to enjoy Summer Stars at Mills Observatory on Friday 19 September. The event runs from 9pm until midnight and is free to attend, with no booking required.

If the weather is clear, guests will have the chance to view Saturn, Neptune – the most distant planet from the Sun – and the striking Summer Triangle, a trio of bright stars made up of Vega, Altair and Deneb. Optimal viewing is expected after 10pm, but telescopes will be set up as soon as conditions allow.

For those hoping to learn more even if the skies don’t cooperate, the observatory will also host talks in its lecture room. An amateur astronomer will guide audiences through the wonders of the summer night sky, offering insights into the planets and constellations visible at this time of year.

The event is open to all, whether you’re an experienced stargazer or simply curious about the night sky. Organisers say it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a late summer evening in a unique setting while experiencing the observatory after dark.

Mills Observatory, located on Balgay Hill, is the UK’s only full-time public observatory and has been welcoming visitors since 1935. With its telescope and planetarium, it continues to be a hub for astronomy enthusiasts and families alike.

The special evening marks a warm-up for the observatory’s upcoming winter season, when regular events and activities return for the colder months.