We are delighted to welcome you back to Mills Observatory.
What can you expect?
During the winter season (which runs from 1st October 2022 to 31st March 2023) the Mills Observatory opening times are:
- Monday to Friday: 4pm – 10pm
- Saturday/Sunday: 12:30pm – 4pm
Entry is free and our friendly staff will be on hand to help and advise.
Night sky viewing is available on all weeknights when conditions allow.
Planetarium Shows run on the first and third Friday of the month – Booking Essential (Call 01382 435967 during opening hours).
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mills Observatory is ready to reopen. We have carried out risk assessments, tested our building systems, installed new signage, sanitiser stations and Perspex screens. We have implemented new cleaning and hygiene regimes and delivered training to all our staff.
We look forward to welcoming you back.
Prior to welcoming visitors back, our staff have been involved in cleaning throughout Mills Observatory.
We had rigorous daily cleaning regimes in place prior to lockdown. We have enhanced these further.
We advise all to follow current guidelines to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and hot water. Our public toilets will be open to support regular handwashing.
Hand sanitiser stations will be available on arrival.
Yes, our public toilets will be open with an enhanced cleaning regime.
Only visitors to Mills Observatory will be able to use our toilets.
“It is strongly recommended that face coverings continue to be worn where appropriate as members of the public are advised to carry on taking sensible precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Planetarium Shows
Take a tour of the night sky and learn about constellations and what to look out for in the night skies, galaxies and the latest space news. Suitable for adults and children aged 6yrs and over.
Planetarium Shows will run at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm on the following dates:
- Friday 7th October 2022
- Friday 21st October 2022
- Friday 4th November 2022
- Friday 18th November 2022
- Friday 2nd December 2022
- Friday 16th December 2022
- Friday 6th January 2023
- Friday 20th January 2023
- Friday 3rd February 2023
- Friday 17th February 2023
- Friday 3rd March 2023
- Friday 17th March 2023
- Friday 31st March 2023
Booking - Essential. Call 01382 435967 during opening hours to book
Cost - £1 adults, 50p children
Capacity - 25 Visitors
Saturday Stars
Come along and get hands-on with some cool family-friendly astronomy themed craft activities.
Saturday Stars will be held from 1pm to 2pm and 2:30pm – 3:30pm on the following dates:
- Saturday 22nd October 2022
- Saturday 10th December 2022
- Saturday 18th February 2023
- Saturday 18th March 2023
Booking - Essential. Call 01382 435967 during opening hours to book
Cost - Free
Capacity - 12 Visitors
The bodies of the telescopes are wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes/spray after every use, while the eye pieces are wiped with specialist lens wipes to ensure they are sanitised after each use.
Britain’s first purpose-built public observatory enjoys a magnificent woodland setting on the summit of Balgay Hill. 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!
Our friendly staff are on hand to help and advise…
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 pick the right one.
Contact Details
Mills Observatory
Glamis Road
Balgay Park
Dundee
DD2 2UB
Opening Hours
October to March opening hours:
During the winter season (1st October 2022 to 31st March) the Mills Observatory opening times are:
Monday to Friday: 4pm – 10pm
Saturday/Sunday: 12:30pm – 4pm