University of Portsmouth event attracts 800 stargazers

Cosmologists and astrophysicists from the University of Portsmouth welcomed 800 visitors with a passion for space to their annual Stargazing event last night (28 January) held for the first time in the Portland building on the University’s campus.

At the event, scientists, from the University’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation unlocked the mysteries of the Universe, explaining its origins and sharing what is known about the history of the Milky Way, as well as delving into the subject of dark matter and the significance of gravitational waves.

Stargazing 2026 was hosted by the University’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation in collaboration with the Hampshire Astronomical Group, Airbus Defence and Space, Portsmouth Libraries, Space South Central, Plextek, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and others. 

Budding astronomers of all ages enjoyed an evening packed with interactive exhibits, themed talks and activities such as night sky viewing through on-site telescopes (and via remote link to Clanfield Observatory) with the Hampshire Astronomical Group.

Dr Nic Bonne, Public Engagement and Outreach Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We are delighted that the event, our thirteenth, was a sell-out yet again and we were bowled over by the enthusiasm of everyone who came. We try to offer something of interest to everyone, and the January night skies are usually a really good time for stargazing because of the long nights and often clear winter skies.

“We were able to showcase how we are unlocking the mysteries of the Universe, right here in Portsmouth, as well as highlight how the space sector is booming locally.” 

The University is home to a Mission Design facility to help people design spacecraft and missions, ASTA Technology - the UK’s only ESA-accredited provider of space engineering training - and a founding partner of Space South Central.

It is also developing plans for a Portsmouth Research Institute for Space Missions (PRISM) which will bring all its space activity under one roof, including mission design, and will be closely connected to the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG).

Space research and mission design activity at the University of Portsmouth is part of the work of the Faculty of Technology. Professor Djamel Ait-Boudaoud, the Faculty’s Executive Dean, said: "It is really exciting to be at the cutting edge of space research and I am extremely proud of the contribution that my colleagues make, through their dedication and diligence, to the advancements made in this field which help us to better understand the Universe. It is wonderful to be able to share that knowledge with the public, at events like Stargazing, and offer the opportunity for people to gain an insight into what we do, why this is important and how it is making a difference is a genuine privilege.”

Portsmouth is one of the first universities to develop a Civic Partnership Agreement with partners in the local community and region to promote inclusion and enrich economic, social and cultural life. Its goal is for education and research knowledge and skills to benefit the city and surrounding areas.

This commitment was recently demonstrated through the University's 2025 World Space Week events, which brought together students, staff and the wider Portsmouth community to explore space science and technology. These events exemplify the University's dedication to making knowledge accessible and engaging for all.