Mills Observatory

03/06/2026

🔴 Mars and Saturn in the Morning Sky

Early risers can look for Mars and Saturn in the morning sky this month. Mars rises before the Sun in the north-east, although it remains low and difficult to spot in the bright dawn twilight.

Meanwhile, Saturn rises in the east around 1am and gradually gains altitude throughout June. While observing conditions are not ideal yet, the ringed planet will become a much more rewarding target later in the year.

For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

02/06/2026

✨ Venus, Mercury and Jupiter in the Evening Sky

The north-western sky after sunset offers a planetary treat this June. Venus shines brilliantly in the twilight and should be easy to spot, while Mercury sits lower down and becomes increasingly difficult to see as the month progresses.

A special highlight comes on 9 June, when Venus and Jupiter appear close together low above the western horizon. If you have an unobstructed view to the west, it's well worth taking a look.

For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

02/06/2026

✨ Special Summer Opening at Mills Observatory! 🌞🔭

Join us this Saturday for a rare summer opening of Mills Observatory as we welcome the University of Dundee’s Science Fair, part of The Williamina and Joanna School for Variable Stars project.

🧪 Explore fascinating experiments and presentations from talented students
🕑 Observatory open: 3:00pm – 5:30pm
🔬 Science Fair: 3pm – 4:30pm
🎟️ Entry is FREE – everyone is welcome!

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to visit Mills Observatory in the summer and experience an inspiring afternoon of science and discovery.

20/05/2026

🌌❄️ LOOK NORTH FOR NOCTILUCENT CLOUDS

Late May marks the possible return of noctilucent clouds — rare, high‑altitude ice clouds that glow long after sunset. Best seen low in the northern sky late at night, these delicate pearly or bluish patterns are among the most striking sights of the summer sky.

The photo is courtesy of Ken Kennedy and shows the noctilucent clouds on 7th July 2025.



For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

12/05/2026

🪐✨ PLANETS IN THE LATE SPRING SKY

Venus shines brightly after sunset in the west‑north‑west throughout May, climbing higher as the month progresses. Jupiter remains visible in the evening sky, setting around 1am. Mercury briefly appears very low in the north‑west later in the month, while Mars and Saturn are difficult to spot in the brightening morning sky.



For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

05/05/2026

⭐🔭 SPRING CONSTELLATIONS & DISTANT GALAXIES

Ursa Major and the familiar Plough are high overhead during May evenings. Follow the curve of the Plough’s handle to Arcturus, the bright star of Boötes. Although brighter skies make faint objects harder to see, some well‑known galaxies in Ursa Major — such as Messier 81 and 82 — remain rewarding targets with small telescopes.

The Sky Chart is courtesy of www.heavens-above.com and shows the sky above Dundee on 15th May at 10pm.



For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

03/05/2026

🌅✨ MAY SKIES: LONGER DAYS, SHORTER NIGHTS

May brings a rapid increase in daylight. At the start of the month, the day lasts around 15½ hours, stretching to more than 17 hours by the end. From early May onwards, astronomical twilight never fully ends, meaning the night sky is never truly dark. Only the brightest stars remain visible during the darkest hours, giving late spring its distinctive glowing skies.



For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Libraries, Culture and Sport in Dundee

01/05/2026

🌕📅 MOONS OF MAY — INCLUDING A BLUE MOON

May is unusual this year with two full moons — on May 1st and May 31st. This second full moon is known as a “Blue Moon”, a traditional term for a rare event rather than the Moon’s colour.

Moon phases this month progress from full (1st), to last quarter (9th), new Moon (16th), first quarter (23rd), and back to full at month’s end.



For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

20/04/2026

☄️ The April Lyrids Meteor Shower

The April Lyrids peak on 22 April at around 10pm. Under perfect skies you might see around 15 meteors per hour — though this year’s 5‑day‑old Moon in Gemini will wash out some of the early activity.

Your best viewing opportunity is after midnight, once the Moon sets at 3:30am.

The Lyrids have produced spectacular surprises before (notably in 1922 and 1982)… so perhaps 2026 will deliver another cosmic show! ✨

For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.

15/04/2026

🌠 Galaxies in Leo: The Leo Triplet

Did you know Leo is home to some beautiful galaxies?

With even a small telescope, you may spot the famous Leo Triplet — Messier 65, Messier 66, and NGC 3628 — a trio of galaxies about 35 million light‑years away. 🌌🔭

These galaxies are favourites for amateur astronomers — keep an eye out on the next clear night!

This image is courtesy of Ken Kennedy of the Dundee Astronomical Society.

For more information, visit our Sky Diary:
www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills/sky-diary

Please remember we are now closed for the summer and look forward to welcoming you back on October 1, 2026.