The Society Observatory and Telescope
Our Observatory when new
The society now has permission to use, care and maintain the observatory from the site operator QinetiQ. This houses a 6" Carl Zeiss Coude refractor in excellent condition. This is a professional observatory and following some renovation is in good condition. The observatory was built in the 1960s and designed by David Mayhead - click below for a picture of David and our chairman Phil. David designed the dome from scratch back in 1966 when working for Technical Facilities dept RAE. He was asked to come up with something where the roof could be opened. His response was 'well you don't want a shed with a hole in the roof to house such an impressive piece of equipment (the Zeiss telescope), much better to have a proper dome that befits the equipment'. And of course this is why the telescope is still in such good condition. Our thanks to David Mayhead."
Patrick Moore was one of the first astronomers to visit the site and take a look at the new facility - click below to see a picture of him at our scope:-
The society offers its members the use of the observatory throughout the year. Observing evenings may be arranged at the request of any member of the society and daytime observing of the Sun, Moon and planets can also be arranged. A trained member of the society will be available to operate the observatory and show novice amateur astronomers around the sky. Prospective members may request an observing evening to look through a telescope. All members wishing to observe will receive induction training at the Observatory, required by site health and safety requirements. This is done in the daylight (!) at lunchtimes.
Click here for a recent images of our observatory -
Click here to see our 6" Coude Telescope -
Click here to see the telescope in use observing the sun -
The society recently acquired a solar prominence viewer for use with the Zeiss scope - click on the thumbnail below for a picture:-
