Observatory
Wynyard Observatory was opened in 1994, by the then 14th Astronomer Royal Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale. The observatory originally housed an 8inch refracting telescope, the largest of its kind in the North of England, and many thousands of people enjoyed the views through this until the observatory was refurbished in 2001. It now houses a 19inch reflecting telescope, also believed to be the largest of its kind in the North of England, and a 10inch state-of-the-art computer controlled telescope system. The observatory & its telescopes form the centre piece of regular Friday night public observing at the observatory & planetarium. This takes place between the months of September & April at 9p.m. every Friday evening provided the sky is clear. This activity has taken place for well over 20 years and thousands of people from the Borough & beyond have seen the wonders of the night sky through one or more of the planetarium & observatories 10 telescopes or through those of members of the local astronomical societies.
We also run a Telescope Club on the last Friday of every month at 7;30pm in the planetarium from September to April. This is an informal meeting of amateur astronomers and members of the public who would like to discuss anything from how to use their telescope and what they can see with it, through to repairs and alterations.
Current Prices:
Public Observing & Telescope Club - free
Specially requested observing session - £1.50 per person
The Planetarium has an active involvement from members of both local astronomical societies: Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society & Durham Astronomical Society. Members of these are on hand at all Planetarium and Observatory events to answer your questions and show you the wonder of a starry night sky.
A visit to the planetarium & observatory will keep you up-to-date with what's happening in the sky year round and is great fun for all the family. For further details contact the planetarium director, Dr Ed Restall on 01740 630544, or e-mail is director@wynyard-planetarium.net - alternatively visit our web-site at www.wynyard-planetarium.net
Wynyard Planetarium and Observatory, entertaining & educating the north-east region and providing educational science support.
