Public Events
The Cardiff Astronomical Society (CAS) organises regular night sky and occasional solar observing events at its Observatory in Dyffryn Gardens or locations further afield. The events are either organised by CAS on its own, or run in conjunction with other organisations.
In addition, the Society's public outreach team has also answered many hundreds of questions about space and astronomy from our young visitors! Society officers also make visits to schools and scout meetings when requested.
Upcoming public events:
Stargazing Evening - CAS Observatory, Dyffryn Gardens
September 26 - March 27
We are pleased to share our new dates for stargazing evenings (formerly known as Star Parties!) at our observatory in Dyffryn Gardens. Please use the link below to book a place, free of charge. Due to health and safety, those not registered will be turned away.
Specialist Discussion Meeting - Dark and Quiet Skies
16th October 2026, Online and In-Person
The Royal Astronomical Society is hosting a Specialist Discussion Meeting on Dark and Quiet Skies on Friday 16th October, accessible both online and at the Geological Society in London.
Everyone is welcome.
Registration is free for RAS Fellows, £15 for non-Fellows in person and £5 online.
Please see here for more details and to sign up.
Dark Sky Festival - Libanus
Cancelled
Unfortunately the Dark Sky Festival in November has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However the National Park team will endeavour to deliver a Dark Sky Festival again in February 2027 as usual.
Links to some of our previous public events:
Solar viewing at Libanus - 20 June 2026
Museum of the Moon 4th April 2026
Museum After Dark 18th February 2026
CAS 50th Anniversary - Private Exhibition Viewing & Social at the Museum of Cardiff October 2025
Dark Sky Festival September 2025
SAFE solar viewing Bannau Brychieniog June 2025
Partial Eclipse 29th March 2025
Museum After Dark 26th Feb 2025
Dark Skies Festival Sep 21st 2024
SAFE solar viewing Bannau Brychieniog 220624
Museum After Dark 14th February 2024
Dark Skies Wales Festival Sept 23
St David's Hall Family Prom 8th July 2023
BBC Wales 100 at the National Museum of Wales
Stargazing at Brecon 16th September 2022
Solar Viewing at Brecon Visitor Centre 25th June 2022
Transit of Mercury observations at Dyffryn Gardens - 11 November 2019
Stargazing with Dark Sky Wales at Brecon - 18 October 2019
Apollo 11 Fiftieth Anniversary Event at National Museum Wales, Cardiff - 20 July 2019
Night Observing with the Open University at Brecon - 28 June 2019
St David's Hall, Cardiff - 25 June 2019
Solar Observing at Brecon Beacons - 22 June 2019
Star Attractions at the Museum - 19 January 2019
Space Capsule Family Day - 17 November 2018
Stargazing with Dark Sky Wales at Brecon - 26 October 2018
CAS/SPA Lectures - Saturday, 29 September 2018
Public Events - From Another Perspective
Solar Observing at Brecon Beacons - 23 June 2018
Star Attractions at the Museum - 13 January 2018
St Fagans Stargazing Event - 18 November 2017
Stargazing at Dyffryn Gardens - 28 October 2017
Stargazing at Brecon - 14 October 2017
Solar Viewing at Brecon - 30 July 2017
St Fagans Event - 19 November 2016
Stargazing at Dyffryn Gardens - 29 October 2016
Tim Peake at Techniquest - 13 October 2016
Perseid Shower - 11 August 2016
Solar Viewing at Brecon - 30 July 2016
Oxford Away Day - 18 June 2016
Techniquest - 15 December 2015
If you have attended one of our events, we would appreciate your feedback:
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING ON SATURDAY IN SUCH HORRID CONDITIONS.
You and your team never fail to amaze me with your generosity of time, experience and that “can do” attitude which is such an asset to our festival.
I do so appreciate your willingness from you and your lovely team who are happy so share their love of our dark skies.
Thank you also for helping to promote our festival which helps us greatly.
Carol Williams, Sustainable Tourism Officer, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
Excellent. Very informative and interesting "volunteers".
Sue and David
Super evening, glad we came.
John and Family
Our third visit, and just as interesting each time. The explanations are clear and the advice on equipment very helpful. Thanks.
Garth
Enjoyed seeing the telescope and realy enjoyed the Stellarium presentation. Very interesting. Thank you! xxx
Sophie and Philip
Very helpful and friendly group of people. Hopefully, I'll be able to find objects in my new scope now! Thanks!
Gareth
Fascinating - great to actually use and see through a telescope!! Thank you.
Joan and Mike