Experience the Night of Nights at the Blaauw Observatory

On Saturday 24 October, 2026, the Blaauw Observatory at the University of Groningen will open its doors for the 22nd Night of the Night. Visitors can stargaze, take a journey through the universe in the mobile planetarium, and listen to lectures on topics such as lightning, galaxies, and the sounds of nocturnal animals. There will also be activities for children.

Stargazing and traveling through the universe

Guided tours of the Blaauw Observatory will be offered throughout the evening. If the weather is clear, visitors can gaze at the starry sky through telescopes. Even if the clouds don’t cooperate, there is plenty to see and discover in and around the observatory.

There are also shows in the mobile planetarium, where visitors are taken on a journey through an inflatable dome past planets, stars, and other objects in the universe. A planetarium show lasts about 30 minutes; a guided tour of the observatory lasts about 50 minutes.

For children, there’s a nighttime nature play area open all evening, featuring games about moths and a craft corner.

From Lightning to Galaxies and Nocturnal Animals

There will be three lectures during the evening:

• 8 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. – 'The Wonders of Lightning' by Prof. Dr. Olaf Scholten (Language: Dutch)
• 9 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. – 'What a Machine Sees in Galaxies' by Dr. Ting-Yun (Sunny) Cheng (Language: English)
• 10 p.m. – 10.30 p.m. – 'Sounds of Nocturnal Animals' by Rik Winters (Language: Dutch)

Thus, the programme focuses not only on what can be seen in the night sky, but also on other phenomena that come to life precisely when it’s dark.

Night of the Nights

The Night of the Night is an annual initiative organized by the Nature and Environment Federations. During the 22nd edition, on Saturday 24 October, hundreds of activities will be organized throughout the country. Companies, municipalities, and other organizations will also turn off their lights to draw attention to the value of darkness and the consequences of unnecessary nighttime lighting.

Practical Information

Date: Saturday 24 October, 2026
Location: Bernoulliborg, Nijenborgh 9, Groningen
Organizer: Kapteyn Institute, University of Groningen

All parts of the event are free to attend. However, reservations are required for the guided tours of the observatory and the shows in the mobile planetarium. Those wishing to attend both are advised to ensure, when making reservations, that the selected times do not overlap.

The full program and reservation options can be found on the Blaauw Observatory’s calendar.