Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre

[Stu]

The final part of my 50th birthday weekend was a couple of nights in a very nice hotel near Rye. On the way back, we stopped at the Observatory Science Centre just to maintain the astro theme, and spent a pleasant few hours looking around the science exhibits which Lorna and I really enjoyed, and then going into the three Domes which were open.

Very impressive beasts they were too, makes you appreciate what a counterweight really should look like!

Dome B had a 36" Yapp Reflector

Dome E had a 26" Thompson Refractor

Dome F had a 38" Congo Schmidt Scope

Well worth a visit if in the area, and I think I will head back at some point for one of the open evenings when the sky is clear; it was open Saturday night but was about 45 mins from the hotel and the skies were not great, plus the moon was quite bright.

Some pics to show a flavour of what it was like.

[Davey-T]

Nice place to visit Stu, and the exhibits although probably aimed more at children are interesting enough for adults to enjoy.

I used to take the camper van to their astro' festival every year but haven't made it to the last couple.

Dave 

[Stu]

14 hours ago, Davey-T said:

I used to take the camper van to their astro' festival every year but haven't made it to the last couple.

Thanks Dave. Might have a look into that this year. Not too far for me to go.

[Rob]

Glad you enjoyed Stu!. I love it there, been 4 times over the last 10 years (with kids too). The festival weekends have a nice atmosphere also.

Best wishes for your 50th BTW. Mine too this year (January).

Rob

[Hallingskies]

I love the place. There is a little book on sale there entitled “Astronomers at Herstmonceux” which gives a bit of the history of the place using the recollections of those who worked there, and which really captures the magic of it.