Astronomical Events Calendar UK
Meteor Showers, Eclipses & Stargazing
Discover the most exciting upcoming astronomical events visible from the UK with the North West Astrophotography astronomical events calendar.
Explore annual meteor showers, lunar and solar eclipses, planetary events, Moon phases, equinoxes and solstices, all in one convenient calendar.
Whether you’re an experienced astrophotographer, an amateur astronomer or simply curious about the night sky, our calendar helps you plan your next observing session.
Select an event to discover more about its expected timing, observing conditions and photography opportunities.
Looking for somewhere to observe? Explore our Interactive Dark Sky Map to discover potential stargazing locations across North West England and beyond.
What’s happening in the night sky?
UK-focused astronomical events, Moon phases and astrophotography opportunities. All dates and times are UK local time.
Events this month
Meteor shower peak dates are approximate and can vary by year and time zone. Moon phase times are calculated estimates. Visibility and observing conditions depend on your location and weather. Always verify critical timings before travelling.
Upcoming Astronomical Events in the UK
The UK offers excellent opportunities to observe astronomical events throughout the year. From spectacular meteor showers to planetary oppositions and lunar eclipses, there is always something worth looking out for.
Our astronomical events calendar brings these opportunities together, helping observers across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and the wider UK plan their stargazing sessions.
Meteor Showers in the UK
Some of the best-known annual meteor showers include:
Quadrantids in January, Lyrids in April, Perseids in August, Orionids in October, Leonids in November and Geminids in December.
Meteor shower visibility depends on several factors, including the predicted peak, radiant altitude, cloud cover, moonlight and local light pollution.
For the best experience, choose a dark location with an unobstructed view of the sky and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Solar and lunar eclipses are among the most fascinating astronomical events to observe.
Our calendar includes upcoming eclipse dates, but not every eclipse is visible from the UK. Always check the event’s local visibility before making observing plans.
Important: Never observe the Sun directly without appropriate certified solar viewing equipment or a properly fitted solar filter designed for your telescope or camera.
Planetary Events and Oppositions
Planetary oppositions occur when a planet appears opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky. For outer planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, these periods often provide excellent observing and photography opportunities.
Our calendar also includes selected planetary events to help you plan telescope observations and planetary imaging sessions.
Moon Phases and Astrophotography
The Moon has a significant influence on astronomical observing.
New Moon periods generally provide darker skies for photographing faint galaxies, nebulae and the Milky Way, while brighter Moon phases offer opportunities for detailed lunar photography.
Use the calendar to identify suitable observing dates, then explore our dark sky locations to plan your next astrophotography session.