Schools Telescope Tour

Schools have the option of booking a tour into the telescope domes which is led by a member of science centre staff.  It is suitable for all ages and is aimed at the level of ability and knowledge of each group, following a question and answer format rather than a lecture. 

Imagine the ‘wow' factor for pupils (and adults) to be seated beneath an historic telescope and discover ‘How the telescopes were used', ‘What we can learn from them' and ‘How the astronomers would have worked here' when it was The Royal Observatory.  

The tour includes reference to the history of the site, the copper clad domes and the logistics of operating these huge telescopes.
Principles of refraction and reflection will be shown by simple demonstrations and the tour normally incorporates a visit to both a dome containing a refractor telescope and one with a reflector.

It is hoped that the tour will help to foster an understanding of telescopes and stimulate an interest in astronomy by providing further discussion points. 

The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and costs an additional 75 pence per pupil.

KS3 and KS4 students with a particular interest in physics / engineering / astronomy can book a tour to incorporate additional telescope domes and areas (depending on time and availability).