The Spaceguard Centre

The Spaceguard Centre is the UK focus for dealing with the threat from asteroids and comets. We are open to the public.

The Spaceguard Centre is a working astronomical observatory in a stunning location above Knighton on the borders of Powys, Shropshire and Herefordshire. Visit us and find out about the threat that asteroids and comets pose to our planet, and how we can defend ourselves against it.

The Centre is committed to tracking Near Earth Objectsthat could potentially hit the Earth as part of an international project. Asteroids hit the Earth more often then people would like to believe, and they regularly pass very close to us. The Spaceguard Centre offers the opportunity for people to come and visit to find out about the possibility of a real “Deep Impact”, and what we can do to prevent one. The guided tour will take you around all the facilities at the Spaceguard Centre including a fully equipped and unique indoor observatory with a 13 inch telescope, and a 14”, robotic telescope, both of which are capable of tracking objects that could be a threat to earth. The Spaceguard Centre also has its own Planetarium. With more fascinating exhibits such as Meteorites and samples from impact craters the Spaceguard Centre is a truly fascinating place to visit.


Public Tours (suitable for ages 9 + )

Tour Times (conducted tours only, no unaccompanied access)

Open Wednesday to Sunday:

1 May to 30 September - 10. 30am, 2. 00pm and 4. 00pm

1 October to 30 April - 2. 00pm and 4. 00pm

Day: Adults £6. 00, Children (under 16 yrs) £3. 00
Evening (pre-booked only): Adults £7. 00, Children (under 16 yrs) £3. 50
A minimum charge of £40 will apply to evening tours and pre-booked groups.

The Centre is easily accessible from the main A4113 that passes through Knighton. It is signed from the main road just east of the town. There is a regular train service to Knighton, but it is a long walk from the station! A taxi is a better solution.

If you are using SatNav or online maps with our postcode, ignore them for the last couple of miles - follow the signs from the A4113 main road!