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 Quadrantids is one of the better meteor showers, with up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak.

It is probably produced by dust particles  left behind by an extinct comet known as 2003 EH1. The shower runs every year from January 1-5 and peaks this year on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th.

The first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight leaving dark skies for what might be a great show. Best viewing after midnight, meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes, and are seen anywhere in the sky.