Rosse Observatory - Go Stargazing (original) (raw)
The Rosse Observatory in Pontefract is the home of the friendly and welcoming West Yorkshire Astronomical Society. The group organise regular public stargazing sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Location events organiser
Weather forecast
Weather forecast for Pontefract (1.1 miles away) updated 20/06/25 at 04:02.
Local light pollution
Rosse Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to asuburban suburban location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
Urban
Suburban
Semi-rural
Rural
Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Light pollution map of Rosse Observatory
Best time to visit
The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Fri 20th Jun
Third Quarter
37 % illuminated
Dark from 23:12 to 00:33
Dark for 1h 20m
Sat 21st Jun
Waning Crescent
26 % illuminated
Dark from 23:12 to 00:48
Dark for 1h 35m
Sun 22nd Jun
Waning Crescent
16 % illuminated
Dark from 23:12 to 01:02
Dark for 1h 49m
Mon 23rd Jun
Waning Crescent
8 % illuminated
Dark from 23:12 to 01:03
Dark for 1h 50m
Tue 24th Jun
New Moon
3 % illuminated
Dark from 23:12 to 01:04
Dark for 1h 51m
Wed 25th Jun
New Moon
0 % illuminated
Dark from 23:11 to 01:05
Dark for 1h 53m
Thu 26th Jun
New Moon
0 % illuminated
Dark from 23:10 to 01:06
Dark for 1h 55m
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Forthcoming events
Below is a list of events at Rosse Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
Rosse Observatory public open evening
Friday 20th June 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
WYAS Young Astronomers Club
Friday 27th June 2025 from 19:30pm to 20:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
Rosse Observatory public open evening
Friday 4th July 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
Rosse Observatory public open evening
Friday 11th July 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
Rosse Observatory public open evening
Friday 18th July 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
WYAS Young Astronomers Club
Friday 25th July 2025 from 19:30pm to 20:30pm
Rosse Observatory, Pontefract, WF8 3RJ
More info
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.
The Grand, York
Station Rise, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6GD (21.2 miles away)
Stay & Gaze
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The Nook Brewhouse
3A Victoria Square, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 2DN (21.4 miles away)
Stay & Gaze
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Dovestone Holiday Park
Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, Lancashire, OL3 7NF (29.9 miles away)
Stay & Gaze
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