The University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy will be open to the public every Wednesday evening through the autumn and winter.

Mysteries of the universe will be explained by the Institute's researchers in a series of 30-minute free lectures, beginning at 7.15pm each week. Weather permitting, there will then be the opportunity to observe the night sky with the giant Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes and other smaller instruments.

Dr Lisa Jardine-Wright, who has organised the open nights, said: “Between now and Christmas visitors will have a unique opportunity to observe the spectacular planets Mars and Saturn, having discussed questions like 'Are we stardust or just nuclear waste?' and 'What is dark matter?' with our researchers."

On cloudy nights there will be a short ‘Sky at Night’ display in the lecture theatre where experts describe what you can see in the night sky and where to find it. There will also be a tour of the historical telescopes of the Institute.

A special Christmas lecture suitable for both young children and adults will be given on Wednesday December 21 entitled 'A Comet For Christmas'. The Institute will then be closed for a fortnight, with the public open nights resuming on January 11 until March 28. Please check the Institute’s web site for more details and age suitability, using the link above right.

The Institute of Astronomy is on the north side of Madingley Road, beyond Storey’s Way and Churchill College. Parking is available and entrance is free.

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