The observatory was opened on 9th February 1994 by the 14th Astronomer Royal Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale, FRS. Each year, from September through the winter months until the end of April, the observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings, manned by members of the society.
The observatory dome's geographical location near Thorpe Thewles village is:
- LATITUDE: 54°36′49.8′′ N
- LONGITUDE: 01°22′37.8′′ W
[Image: Observatory - rear view]
[Image: Saturn - © Keith Johnson]
[Image: Millenium telescope - 19inch reflector]
School parties and groups from all corners of the community have viewed the wonders of the universe through our 8-inch refractor, believed to be the largest working telescope of its kind in the north of England. In 2001 we replaced this refractor with a 19-inch reflector, which is also believed to be the largest working telescope of its kind in the north of England.
Particular highlights have been the total lunar eclipse and comet McNaught in 2007, the Transit of Venus in 2004, spectacular comet Hale-Bopp (our observatory became the focus for hundreds of visitors across Teesside while this comet was visible), the collision between Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 and the planet Jupiter, the Geminid meteor shower of 1994 when over 400 shooting stars were logged during the night, and the marvellous Comet Hyakutake of 1996.
