For the status of an upcoming observing session please see the 'JSL Observatory' panel in the left-hand column.

The Observatory will always be open to Club Members and often to the General Public - check event details beforehand.  Member's Guests and Visitors are welcome to come and join us for an evening under the stars, where we can show you some of the wonders of the universe! You will be able to look through our main 14" telescope in the dome, and also various other telescopes (members' scopes included) that may be set up at the observatory.

If you are interested in attending an observing session, or would like some pointers on making the best of your own sessions, please read the Practical Observing Etiquette. It is recommended reading before attending a public observing session. Thank you.

All observing sessions are subject to weather conditions. If it is heavily overcast or raining, then the observatory will remain closed. There may be additional reasons why a session has to be cancelled, so please check this website to confirm that the observatory will be open before you travel. Information will be posted in the right hand column of this site under the heading JSL Observatory.

The observatory is located at the far end of the Culloden Battefield NTS Visitor Centre car park. Please take great care when driving into the car park. Drive slowly and where possible use sidelights only  in order to prevent those people already present from losing their night vision - it takes up to 20 minutes to fully adapt.

Directions to JSL Observatory: Car     Cycle     Walk     ///cosmetic.measuring.caressed

When you arrive at the observatory itself, please do not use torches that produce white light because this will immediately destroy the night vision of those present in the observatory. It will take up to 20 minutes to regain this, so please don't upset the observers! If you have a torch that produces red light, you are welcome to use it.

The dates of our public observing sessions can be found on our JSL Observatory page, our Meetings and Events page, and the details of the next session in the Dark Sky Observing section in the left-hand column on any page

Observing sessions may on occasion also be arranged on request for private parties. To find out more please use our online Enquiry Form.

A voluntary charitable donation in the region of £5 per adult would be greatly appreciated to enable us to operate & maintain our Observatory.

FREE to HAS & SIGMA Members