Mills Observatory
We are delighted to welcome you back to Mills Observatory for the 2024 / 2025 season.
Opening on 1st October, the Observatory will be open six nights a week. Mills is Britain’s first purpose-built public observatory, enjoying a magnificent woodland setting on the summit of Balgay Hill. It is free to enter and there is no need to book. Join us to watch stars and planets through our telescopes or admire the scenery with some spectacular treetop vistas across the silvery Tay.
With fascinating space exploration and astronomical displays, planetarium shows and a fully computerised telescope that can detect 30,000 objects in the sky, there’s so much to see, do and learn. Night sky viewing is available when the clouds stay away.
The Mills Observatory is open Monday to Friday: 4pm – 10pm and Saturday 6.30pm to 10pm. It is closed on Sunday but check back for a series of lectures and events throughout the season.
Please be aware that the Observatory is not accessible for all as it is a heritage building. There are narrow stairs – please call us on 01382 435967 if you’d like more details.
What can you expect?
Mills Observatory is open over the Winter Season which runs from 1st October 2024 to 31st March 2025. It is closed during other months of the year.
Entry is free and our friendly staff will be on hand to help and advise.
Frequently asked questions
We have multiple telescopes located within the dome of the observatory, which a member of staff will help you operate to view the night sky. Please Note – night sky viewing is weather dependant, we need a dry evening with clear skies to open our dome and use the telescopes. As a general rule of thumb – if you can see the stars from where you are, you will get a better view through our telescopes – so come and see us!
Entry to the observatory and the use of all equipment is free, but we do gladly accept donations. Donations boxes are located throughout the building, and a member of staff can direct you to one if required.
Our planetarium shows offer participants the chance to join a member of the Mills Observatory team as we take you on a tour of the night sky in the Observatory’s Planetarium Room. Here you will learn about constellations, asteroids, galaxies and much more. The Planetarium Show will be followed by an opportunity to see through the Observatory’s telescopes (weather dependant). These shows are suitable for adults and children aged 6 years and over. Planetarium Shows will run at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm on the following dates:
- Friday 4th October 2024
- Friday 18th October 2024
- Friday 1st November 2024
- Friday 15th November 2024
- Friday 6th December 2024
- Friday 20th December 2024
- Friday 3rd January 2024
- Friday 17th January 2024
- Friday 7th February 2024
- Friday 21st February 2024
- Friday 7th March 2024
- Friday 21st March 2024
Booking Essential. Bookings can be made via telephone only. Please call 01382 435967 during the Observatory’s openings hours to book a space.
Cost
Adults - £3.00, Children £1.50
Capacity - 25 Visitors
Cancellation - If you cannot make a show you have booked please call to let us know so that we can offer these spaces to others
There is a small car park at the entrance to the Observatory, which includes two accessible parking spaces.
Shop @ Mills Observatory
The Observatory’s Shop offers unique gifts for space and astronomy fans, including NASA branded goods, stargazing guides, space themed books and toys for little astronauts.
Telescopes for sale at Mills Observatory
We have a fantastic range of telescopes for all ages at amazing prices. So if you're interested in stargazing yourself or looking for a gift for a budding astronomer, come in and take a look. Our staff are on-hand to offer advice and help you find the right model for you.
Location
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