Your ultimate stargazing guide to Mills Observatory’s 2025/26 season

Summer is now at an end, the nights are drawing in, it’s getting cold - but we have something that will brighten up those inevitable winter nights – Mills Observatory!

Mills Observatory becomes the perfect place to explore the wonders of the universe and this year is extra special as it celebrates its 90th birthday.

The season kicks off on 1 October 2025 and will conclude on 31 March 2026, so it’s still a few weeks until the dome opens up to the public once more.

From glowing supermoons rising over the Tay to the year’s brightest meteor showers and dazzling planetary displays, the months ahead promise a feast for stargazers.

With more details of this year’s programme set to be revealed in the coming weeks, it’s already written in the stars what Dundee stargazers will see in the night sky when they visit the observatory.

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October 2025

The season begins with Saturn dominating the evening sky, its famous rings tilting favourably for telescope views.

On 7 October, the Hunter’s Moon – a striking full Moon and supermoon – will rise in dramatic fashion, bathing the city in silvery light.

Later in the month, the Orionid meteor shower on 22–23 October offers one of autumn’s best chances to see shooting stars under dark skies.

The observatory will be celebrating its 90th anniversary on 28 October - more details are to be revealed on what will happen on this date.

On 29 October, just a day after Mills’ 90th, tiny Mercury makes its best evening appearance of the year, shining low in the south-west twilight – a fitting celestial gift to mark the observatory’s milestone.

November 2025

November opens with another supermoon on 5 November, the Beaver Moon. Meteors take centre stage this month, beginning with the Northern Taurids on 8 November, known for slow, bright fireballs.

The real highlight comes on 17 November when the Leonid meteor shower peaks with barely a crescent Moon, giving Dundee stargazers a fine chance of spotting meteors streaking across the night sky.

To end the month, Uranus reaches opposition on 21 November, visible through binoculars or telescopes all night long.

December 2025

Winter’s chill brings clear skies and some of the year’s finest sights. On 4 December, the Cold Moon rises, another spectacular supermoon.

Then, on 13 December, the Geminid meteor shower peaks. With almost no moonlight this year, the Geminids are set to be the most dazzling meteor display of the season, producing bright and colourful streaks across the sky.

Closing the month, the Ursids peak on 22 December around the solstice, offering a quieter but still rewarding shower under dark skies.

January 2026

The year begins with the Quadrantid meteor shower on 3 January, though a bright Moon will limit visibility.

Far more impressive is Jupiter at opposition on 10 January, when the largest planet in our Solar System shines at its very brightest, perfectly placed for observing its cloud belts and four Galilean moons through the observatory’s telescopes.

By mid-January, Jupiter dominates the night sky, taking over from Saturn as the season’s planetary highlight.

February 2026

February nights remain rich with winter constellations, from Orion’s bright stars to Gemini and Taurus.

Jupiter continues to command attention all month, glowing brilliantly in the south and pairing beautifully with the surrounding constellations.

Crisp, cold evenings make for excellent stargazing, rewarding those who venture up to Mills Observatory.

March 2026

As spring approaches, the skies begin to shift. Early in the month, a delicate crescent Moon on 6 March makes for a picturesque sight after sunset.

By 14 March, Orion sinks lower in the south-west, giving one of the last good opportunities to enjoy this iconic constellation until next winter.

On the final Saturday of the month, 28 March, Dundee stargazers can enjoy Jupiter still blazing in the night sky as spring constellations rise in the east, signalling the transition to a new observing season.

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This season marks a proud moment for Mills Observatory, not only as it celebrates its 90th anniversary on 28 October 2025, but because it was a season that might never have happened.

Since opening in 1935, it has welcomed generations of visitors, sparking curiosity and wonder with every glance through its telescope.

As you wrap up warm and head up Balgay Hill this autumn and winter, you’ll not only witness the beauty of the universe but also become part of Mills’ continuing story – a Dundee landmark that has been helping us look up for 90 years!

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A reminder that Mills Observatory is closed on Sunday’s - and more information is to be revealed for the 2025-26 season in due course.