8 years and over.

If the skies clear and are ready for a great shooting star show, then you'll need to keep warm.  If you want to try to photograph a meteor then bring your tripod and DSLR for some top tips.

Shooting stars can be seen at any time of the year at Battlesteads Observatory, so when you're visiting us it's always best to be looking up.  Shooting Star Suppers are planned on the dates of regular meteor showers every year. Battlesteads Observatory is the number one location in Northumberland to enjoy a shooting star supper in style; a perfect combination of award winning, locally sourced food and the dark skies of Northumberland.

The evening begins in the restaurant with one of our superb freshly made sandwiches, and homemade soup, (be sure to tell us of any dietary requirements when you book.)  Then the team will take you up to the observatory to start the astronomy part of the evening.  You'll be shown and be able to handle museum quality meteorites, be given an introduction on how to use binoculars properly and (weather permitting) use the observatory's powerful telescopes for stargazing. During your observatory visit, you'll be treated to an explanation of the origins of shooting stars, meteors, comets, asteroids and learn how to collect micrometeorites in your own back garden.

Using our 14 inch diameter large aperture telescope, dobsonians and binoculars our team will guide you around some of the fantastic wonders of the universe that can be seen from the dark skies of Northumberland and we'll settle down to watch the celestial firework show, (deckchairs are available to sit on too!)  If you'd like to learn a little bit about how to image shooting stars with a DSLR camera, our team will be on hand to give you some top tips.

During the winter months the observatory warm room is kept cosy and with free hot drinks available all year round; this simply is the best and most comfortable way to be introduced to the dark starry skies of Northumberland and the universe beyond.

It's important to note that most meteor showers fully peak after midnight and so, if the skies are clear you'll get the best out of the event if you're able to stay up late - why not book into one of the hotel's rooms?

Observatory events are subject to adaptation to accommodate rare and breathtaking northern lights displays and these spectacular phenomena could unfold unexpectedly during this event.  So if the heavens come alive with the dancing Aurora Borealis, we will seamlessly weave them into our night's observing, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you.

All our events also include the chance to handle and investigate our extensive meteorite collection, which includes pieces of asteroids, the Moon and planet Mars.

Observing the skies is weather dependent, but you'll be pleased to know that all events go ahead whatever the weather and we deliver exciting and interesting events every time.

The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing about 10 meteors per hour but it is an unusual shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other showers. The shower runs annually from October 6-10 and peaks this year on the the night of the 7th. Best viewing will be in the early evening from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco, but can appear anywhere in the sky. The second quarter moon will ensure dark skies in the early evening for what should be a good show.

Your supper will still be served at around 9pm with stargazing and shooting star watching (weather permitting) continuing afterwards.