The Observatory Science Centre is home to six historical telescopes which were left behind when the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) finally closed its doors at Herstmonceux and moved to Cambridge in 1990. Under the aegis of Science Projects Ltd an extensive programme of restoration and repair of the domes and telescopes was completed in 2004 with the aid of a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Today at least 3 of the telescopes are used during open evenings for viewing with a fourth almost there! In fact the 26-inch Thompson reflector was used recently for a very special historic occasion. Click here for an account of Venetia Burney- Phair’s visit to view Pluto for the very first time after naming it in 1930 as an 11 year old school girl. The telescopes are not only being used by the public on open evenings and special evening events, they are also used during twilight visits by schools and Scouting and Guiding groups. The centre can also be hired for private Evening Group Visits which includes viewing, weather permitting of course!