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:
STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory - Stargazing 2026
23rd January 2026 from 6:15pm to 8:15pm GMT
Join STFC for the 2026 Stargazing online RAL talks! Click herefor Zoom tickets.
(For in-person tickets please instead book at https://stargazing2026.eventbrite.co.uk)
The Rutherford Appleton Labs are excited to be holding a series of fascinating, family-friendly talks as part of their annual Stargazing event, including a star show, a comet show and an exciting look at the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn with the Astronomer Royal, Michele Dougherty. Tickets will be available from 9 January 2026 at 07:00. These online talks cover a range of topics about all things space and astronomy. The current timetable is below - talks will last for approximately 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of questions.
18:15: Discoveries at the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn with Michele Dougherty, Astronomer Royal (ages 10+)
One of the most important realisations that planetary scientists have come to in the last 30 years is that in the search for potential habitability in our solar system, the focus need not only be on planets close to the Sun. Based on observations from instruments on the GALILEO spacecraft at Jupiter and the CASSINI spacecraft at Saturn, there are many potential places in our solar system where liquid water oceans may exist below the surface. On Earth, life thrives in the deepest, darkest parts of our oceans near hydrothermal vents. Could life similarly evolve or survive in the ocean floors of Jupiter’s three largest moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa?
19:00: Comet show with Lauren Mowberry (all ages)
Have you ever wondered what a comet really is? Join Lauren to discover more about why comets are called ‘dirty snowballs’ and learn more about a space mission to land on one! During this show, Lauren will explain what makes comets different from other things in space and you'll be able to help her to cook up a dry-ice comet as part of her comet show. Fun for all the family!
19:45: A short trip around the night sky with Vicky Stowell (all ages)
Join Vicky for guaranteed cloud-free virtual trip around the night sky to learn some of the easier to spot constellations and to hear some of the stories around them. This show is very similar to the shows in Planetarium 1, so gives access to those who were not able to get tickets. Sit back and enjoy the stories of the skies.
These talks will be streamed online via Zoom. These tickets are for the online talks only and will not grant you admission to the in-person event at RAL.
Tickets will be available from 9 January 2026 at 07:00.
Friday 26th January 2026 - Star Party at Dyffryn Gardens FULLY BOOKED
Please be in touch to book your spot, as places are limited. Details can be found on the page below:
Star Parties page
Looking up at the stars ahead of Dark Skies Week in Wales
Monday 9th February, 6pm-7.30pm
Adverse Camber has been working with 10 bilingual storytellers in Wales to capture stories of the night sky, including those lost and found in the Welsh language. In this online session you will hear from some of the storytellers and partners involved, and have a chance to discuss storytelling’s role in preserving and renewing community connection with heritage and the wellbeing benefits of this in your area. The session will be held in Welsh and English, facilitated by Tamar Eluned Williams, with translation available.
Click here to book your place on the Zoom webinar
Museum After Dark: Science On Show - National Museum Cardiff
Wednesday 18th February 2026, 6pm-9pm
CAS will have a stand at the much-anticipated annual Museum After Dark event at the National Museum this February. Suitable for all the family, the programme is packed with talks and exhibits.
Please click here for more information and to book tickets.
Though the event is free of charge, please be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as the evening was fully booked last year!
Sharing Stories from Cysur y Sêr
Monday 9th March, 6pm-7.30pm
If you are unable to attend any of the Wales Dark Skies events in person, fear not. In this online zoom session,
Adverse Camber will be sharing some of the ideas and stories storytellers have gathered and created too. Cysur y Sêr is a national-focused, Welsh-led and bilingual project that is about developing stories in Welsh, environmental respect and leaving an impactful legacy for future generations, leading up to the performances of Stars and their Consolations tour across Wales in March- April 2026. The session will be in Welsh and English with translation available.
Click here to book your place at the Zoom webinar
Museum of the Moon - National Museum Cardiff
From 10th March 2026
UK artist Luke Jerram's seven-metre moon sculpture will be on display at the National Museum Cardiff from 10th March, including NASA imagery and a magical soundscape.
To celebrate, a series of lunar-themed events will be taking place throughout March and April. Click here to read more and book your tickets, free of charge!
CAS will have a stand at the family day on 4th April 2026; details are being finalised and will follow shortly.
Stars and their Consolations
Thursday 2nd April 2026, 7.30pm
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff
Be transported into the night sky on the breath of stories that have lit up the darkness for thousands of years. Greek myths of constellations are brought dazzlingly to life by two of the UK’s titans of storytelling, Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden.
Experience powerful, ancient stories with a thrilling electro-acoustic soundscape by composer, Sarah Lianne Lewis and cosmic projection. Dive into an enthralling and truly magical adventure. Witness the gods playing mercilessly with mortals with stories of lust, pride and passion that will leave you with a hunger to discover more…
The epic sweep of the night sky brings a cosmic, eternal perspective to human troubles, offering much needed consolation for our times.
Click here to book your tickets
Suitable for ages 14+
Content Warning: the stories of gods and mortals include references to threat, violence and sexual violence
Links to some of our previous public events:
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
Partial Solar Eclipse 25th October 2022 Dyffryn Gardens
Dark Skies Festival 24th September 2022
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
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