The Federation of Astronomical Societies

PLACES TO VISIT

ABERDEEN PLANETARIUM
Aberdeen College, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB9 1DN Tel: 01224 640366
The Planetarium is involved in activities for education: briefing Primary and Secondary teachers on its use as a resource for schools, giving presentations to school groups, teaching astronomy in the College and acting as a extension to other programmes.
The Planetarium offers a service of specially commissioned presentations to groups, or as a venue for corporate presentations, meetings etc.and offers catering and hospitality facilities. Its Centre for Professional Development hascomprehensive training capabilities.
Website: http://www.abcol.ac.uk/planetarium/

AIRDRIE OBSERVATORY
Duncan Lunan, 16 Oakfield Avenue, Hillhead, Glasgow, G12 8JE Tel: 0141 339 2558
One of the few Public Observatories still functioning. 6" Cooke Refractor. Observing sessions and visits can be arranged but there is a regular meeting of ASTRA on Fridays (except public holidays and Christmas/New Year period)
Website: http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~portwin/ASTRA/Astronomy/apo.html

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY
College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG, N. Ireland.
Contact The Administrator, Armagh (01861) 522928. email:lfy@star.arm.ac.uk
The Armagh Observatory is the oldest continuously functioning astronomical research institute in Great Britain and Ireland, having been in existence for more than 200 years. Its main function is to undertake original research of a world-class academic standard which broadens and expands our understanding of astronomy. 18-inch Schmidt, 10-inch Grubb refractor. Starlink (computer network), modern research library Beautifully landscaped garden with sundials, open 9.30 - 16.30 Mon to Fri; self-guided tour

ARMAGH PLANETARIUM
College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DB, N Ireland. Armagh 01861 523689 (bookings) Fax. 01861 526187. Planetarium: Viewlex projector Series II, seating capacity 100. School bookings available during term-time. Large Shop - Astronomy books, slides, posters, videos, meteorites and posters. Hall of Astronomy: exhibition area includes spacecraft models and a large amount of astronomical material on CD-ROM, laser disc and computer which may all be operated by visitors. Historic collection of Gregorian telescopes owned by Armagh Observatory. Weather satellite picture receiving station and Earth from Space exhibit. Satellite link for live shuttle launch coverage. Windows on the Universe Exhibition gives public access to library of astronomical images, covering subjects like spaceflight, solar system, telescopes, etc. Library: material available to individuals for reference or in some cases for loan. 16-inch Dall Kirkham Reflector, 14-inch Celestron, and a variety of other telescopes used on telescope nights. (2 nights per month Sept-Mar inclusive). Ultra-narrow band H filter used to image the solar surface when coupled to a telescope, gives interesting views on clear days. Also CCD camera available with large telescope.
Website: http://www.armagh-planetarium.co.uk

ASTRONOMY CENTRE
Mrs Linda Simonian, Clough Bank, Bacup Road, Todmorden, Lancashire, OL14 7HW.
25 seater planetarium. Camera obscura. Teacher support. All visits must be arranged in advance Ring also for details of special events.
Tel. : 01706 815816 Fax:01706 360472 Email: roz@astronomycentre.org.uk
Website: http://www.astronomycentre.org.uk/

BIRR CASTLE DEMESNE
Located in County Offaly, 2 hours by car from Dublin and 1 hour from Shannon Airport and Galway city. The Leviathan, or 72-inch telescope, erected by the Third Earl of Rosse in the 1840's and the largest in the world for nearly three-quarters of a century is totally restored and looks and moves just as it did over 150 years ago. With this telescope the Third Earl discovered the spiral nature of the galaxies
Telephone: + 353 509 20336/22154 Fax: +353 509 21583 Email: info@birrcastle.com Website: http://www.birrcastle.com/

BLETCHLEY PARK
The Bletchley Park Trust Ltd, Bletchley Park, Wilton Avenue, MILTON KEYNES, MK3 6NB
Tel: 01908 640404. Open every other weekend throughout the year, 10.30am to 5.00pm, last admissions 3.30pm. Wartime Codebreaking in Cryptology Museum, re-build of Colossus the world's first large electronic valve computer. Other displays include Churchill Memorabilia and a Toy Collection in the Mansion. Military Vehicles, Wartime Fire Engines, Model Boats and Railways. Computers, Radar & Electronics, Diplomatic Wireless, US Re-enactment, Wartime Uniforms, Buckinghamshire Aircraft Recovery Group and the Projected Picture Trust. Something for everyone. Check that the facility will be open on the weekend you want to visit.
Website: http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/

BRITISH MUSEUM
Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG. Tel. 0207-636 1555. Clocks and watches gallery includes astronomical clocks and clock (1676) made by Thomas Tompion for Flamsteed House, National Maritime Museum (qv). Scientific instruments. M-Sa 10am to 5pm, Su 12.00pm to 6pm. Closed New Year's Day, Good F, 1st M in May and during the Christmas period. Free admission, except for special exhibitions. Website: http://www.british-museum.ac.uk

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Institute of Astronomy, The Observatories, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HA. Cambridge (01223) 337548. 36-inch reflector, 17-24-inch Schmidt, 12-inch Northumberland Refractor. GVO. Maximum 20. Contact Secretary Website: http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/IoA/

CITY OBSERVATORY
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA. 6-inch Cooke Photovisual refractor, 6-inch Fraunhöfer & Repsold transit refractor. Home of Astronomical Society of Edinburgh. Library 500 volumes. Exhibition. Telescope viewing by arrangement. Meetings First Friday of every month at 8.00pm GVO. Contact Mr Graham Rule. Tel: 0131 556 4365. Email: secretary@astronomyedinburgh.org
Website: http://www.roe.ac.uk/asewww/

COATS OBSERVATORY
49 Oakenshaw Street, West Paisley, Strathclyde PA1 2DR Tel. 0141 889 2013
Observatory with 128mm and 256mm refractors, meteorological station, seismic station. Visits for public, schools and other pre-arranged groups. Tue. – Sat. 10:00am to 5:00pm. Sun. 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Closed Mon.
Website: http://www.renfrewshire-as.co.uk/coats_page_1.htm

DEAL TIME-BALL TOWER
Seafront, Deal, Kent. Tower surmounted by a large ball (replica) on a 15-foot shaft, topped by a weather vane. Has been refurbished and fitted out as a museum of maritime signalling and time. A Charles Shepherd Galvanic Clock (1853) has been retained with some of the original mechanism. The missing parts have been replicated by Peter Watkinson, a clock restorer for Gillet & Johnson of Croydon. They have installed a new mechanism to drop the ball daily (running on compressed air rather than an electric impulse from Greenwich as previously). Displays cover this history of maritime signalling including shutter and semaphore telegraphs, both previously built on the time-ball site, the development of early wireless and up-to-date maritime satellite communication. There is a small shop. Displays on the top floor cover the history of the building as the time-ball tower, originally built in 1821 as a semaphore tower. There is also a short video detailing the history of the tower and its importance of accurate time for mariners, copies of which may be purchased by schools prior to a visit or are available on a hire basis.
Admission: Phone for details. Spring Bank Holiday to September, 10am to 5pm, Tu-Su and Bank holiday Mondays. The ball drops hourly between 9am and 6pm. After Sept to Spring Bank Holiday the tower is open to booked parties by arrangement. Contact Mr T Jones, Dover Town Hall, Biggin Street Dover Kent. CT16 1DL Tel: (01304) 201200
Website: http://www.kent-museums.org.uk/kmpdovr.html

DERBY MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERY
The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BS. Tel. 01332 716659. Joseph Wright section includes his painting "Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery". Tu-Sa 10am to 5pm, Mo 11am to 5.00pm. Bank Holidays 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Open on Sundays 2:00pm to 5:00pm during the summer months.
Website: http://www.derby.gov.uk/museums/

DUMFRIES MUSEUM
The Observatory, Dumfries, DG2 7SW. Tel. 01387 253374. Fax: 265081 The observatory (a former windmill) was founded in 1836 but rapidly became a museum. Astronomical activities ceased in the 1870s. The observatory still houses the original Thomas Morton 8-inch Gregorian telescope. The museum also houses an 1836 camera obscura which gives panoramic views of the town and surrounding area. (Unfortunately this part is not accessible to wheelchairs). Both the camera obscura and museum are open M-Sa 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Su 2pm to 5pm (closed Su and M, Oct to March). VA. £1:50 adults, 75p concessions.
(Camera obscura closed Oct to March) .
Website: http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/dumfmuse.html

EDINBURGH CASTLE
Castle Hill, Edinburgh. (Including Scottish Crown Jewels, Scottish National War Memorial, Scottish United Services Museum and Historic apartments). The service of official guides cannot be reserved in advance but free guided tours are available at set times. Hours: winter, 1st Oct-31st Mar, M-Su, 9.30am to 4.15pm last ticket sold. summer, 1st Apr-30th Sept, M-Su 9.30am to 5.15pm last ticket sold. Castle closes 45 minutes after the above times. Alterations may be made to opening hours during State and military events
http://www.ebs.hw.ac.uk/EDC/guide/edincas.html

EXETER CATHEDRAL
Exeter, Devon. Astronomical clock (1478) on North Wall of the North Tower. Dial indicates hour of the day, age and phase of the Moon. Circular 18th century dial gives minutes.
Cathedral office, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, EX1 1HS. Tel. 01392 214219.
Website: http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/Welcome.html

GLASGOW COLLEGE OF NAUTICAL STUDIES
21 Thistle Street, Glasgow, G5 9XR Tel: 0141 565 2500 E mail ng.mushet@glasgow-nautical.ac.uk
The College has the largest planetarium in the West of Scotland, seating 40. Available for school groups and other parties Tues-Thurs afternoons. and for public visits on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. All visits by prior arrangement.
Website: http://www.glasgow-nautical.ac.uk/introduction/FACILITIES/PLANETARIUM.HTML

GLASGOW UNIVERSITY PLANETARIUM
Acre Road, Maryhill, Glasgow, G20 OPL Tel: 0141 946 5213
The 80 million pound, titanium clad, Glasgow Science Centre opened its new planetarium in January 2002. Support for schools.
Website: http://www.physics.gla.ac.uk/news/
See also the mobile planetarium run as part of the University’s outreach programme.
Website: http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/users/martin/outreach/starlab.html

GOONHILLY SATELLITE EARTH STATION
Goonhilly Downs, Nr. Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6LQ. Tel: 0800 679593. SA/GVO/VA.
Multimedia satellite experience with a Web surfing Internet zone in the Visitors Centre. Tours of the satellite dishes also available. Open between 10:00am and 5:00pm, but until 6:00pm during Easter and summer holidays. Adult £4:00, children £2:50, seniors £3:00. Website: www.goonhilly.bt.com

HALYARD COMMUNITY OBSERVATORY
Mr Nigel Rumble, Halyard High School, Emerald Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 0NE
Tel.01582 601221
370mm Cassegrain/Newtonian. Open to the public and other schools. Also available for use by individuals or groups free of charge.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Hampton Court, Surrey, KT8 9AU. The Astronomical clock is housed above Anne Boleyn Arch, between Clock Court and Base Court. The dial indicates the time, the day, the date, the position of the Sun in the Zodiac and the phase of the Moon. Free audio guides are available as are free guided tours of the State Departments. Open every day except 24th to 26th of December.
Discount for groups. Educational visits and other information from Visit Co-ordinator.
Tel: 0208 781 9500 Website: www.hrp.org.uk

HERSCHEL HOUSE AND MUSEUM
19 New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BL. Tel. 01225 311342 A small Georgian house, restored by the William Herschel Society, in which William Herschel lived in 1781 when he discovered Uranus on 13th March. The three lower floors have been furnished in contemporary style, with exhibits relating to the Herschel family, William Herschel's music and astronomy and its relationship to 19th and 20th Century science.
Mar to Nov. daily 2pm to 5pm. Website: http://www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

HERSTMONCEUX SCIENCE CENTRE
Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RP. Tel./Fax. 01323 832731 E mail: info@the-observatory.org
Hands-on science centre built within part of the former Royal Observatory. Hold special evening observing events. Open every day to the public from Easter to October 10:00am to 6:00pm (or dusk if earlier).
Website: http://www.the-observatory.org/ for current prices.

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Bayfordbury, nr Hertford, SG13 8LD. Tel: 01707 285560
0.5m and 0.4m Cassegrain, 0.35m Schmidt- Cassegrain, 4x 0.2m Schmidt-Cassegrains, two 0.15m refractors, 0.2m coelostat, 5m radio dish.
The Observatory offers a variety of visits to members of the general public and local schools, which allows them a tour of the facilities and a chance to look through the telescopes. As well as the general open evenings which are held at various times throughout the year, the observatory also caters for group visits and school visits, depending on availability of staff to cover the visit. The Observatory also usually runs a 'Short Course' where interested members of the general public can sign up for a lecture course on a specialised topic, with lectures delivered by one of the University's resident lecturers and professional astronomers. Most of these courses also offer the opportunity to use the latest equipment on our telescopes. Contact:
The Secretary, Physical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 9AB
Website: http://www.herts.ac.uk/natsci/physics/Bayfordbury/

JODRELL BANK SCIENCE CENTRE AND ARBORETUM
Jodrell Bank Science Centre and Arboretum, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL.
Tel. 01477 571339 x225
On the A535 between Chelford and Holmes Chapel, Junction 18 off M6. The Science Centre is beside the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories, and beneath the Lovell 250ft steerable paraboloid. Also mark II 124ft x 83ft elliptical paraboloid. In the Science Centre astronomical displays, 1880 orrery, steerable radio telescope, `hands-on' exhibits such as the gravity hollow to `get to grips' with forces of the universe; space suit, display on satellites, energy and the environment. Planetarium Spitz A4 projector, seating capacity 150. Programmes every 3/4 hour during public opening times.
Summer opening times (Mar.– Oct.) everyday 10:30am to 5:30pm.
Winter opening times Tue.-Sun. 11:00am to 4:30pm. Website: http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/

UNIVERSITY OF KEELE OBSERVATORY
Keele Observatory is a unique collaboration between the amateur astronomers of Keele AstroSoc, and members of the University's Astrophysics Group. The main instruments are a 24 inch reflector which is equipped with a SBIG ST6 CCD camera, and 12 inch refractor. Aside from the local amateur astronomers, the observatory is also used for teaching adult education courses and undergraduates, as well as for research. Open to public every Tuesday evening from 8:00pm
Department of Physics, Keele, Staffs., ST5 5BG. Tel. 01782 583342. Email: obs@astro.keele.ac.uk
Website: http://www.astro.keele.ac.uk/~obs/home.html

NORMAN LOCKYER OBSERVATORY
Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth, Devon. EX10 0NY (Nat. Grid Ref. SY 139883)
An historic astronomical observatory and radio station owned by the East Devon District Council and operated by The Norman Lockyer Observatory Society. The Observatory was established in 1912 by Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer for astronomical research. Now the Observatory is operated for the benefit of science education, to promote the public awareness of science and to provide a facility where individuals and groups can participate in projects and the recreational study of science in a practical way.
The Observatory has facilities for optical astronomy, astro-photography, satellite studies, and amateur radio communication. The Society provides courses in astronomy and radio communication as well as lectures on scientific topics. The development of the Observatory has followed those studies related to the life and work of its founder and its research history. Educational courses and a programme of lectures are offered and there is a small display of memorabilia; many of the working telescopes are of historic importance, but the Observatory is not a museum. Indeed, two telescopes in regular use by members and visitors mark the origin of Solar and Stellar Physics respectively. The Observatory aims to provide a "hands on" experience of science to the occasional visitor and an opportunity for on-going experimental study to members of the Society.
A programme of public open evenings are held each month in winter, and open afternoons each Wednesday and Sunday in July and August and on bank holiday week-ends from Easter. Pre-booked parties (20 - 60) can be arranged throughout the year by contacting the Administration Secretary. Individuals and small family-sized groups may be accommodated with booked parties by invitation of the secretary. Individual members of other astronomy clubs are welcomed at all meetings. The Society also provides a programme of public lectures and courses in astronomy and related sciences at the observatory and at the Sidmouth Arts Centre.
E.Mail. g.e.white@exeter.ac.uk Website: http://www.ex.ac.uk/nlo/welcome.htm

LONDON PLANETARIUM
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR. Tel: 0207 486 1121. Now with state of the art Digistar II projector. Star Show "Cosmic Perceptions" every 40 minutes from 12.20 pm. School programmes during term time on weekday mornings. Special talks may be arranged for groups of 100 or more. Space Station exhibit features planets and Earth Satellites with interactive video, wax portraits of great astronomers and a black hole. A range of ticket options are available, with group rates available for ten or more and combined tickets for the planetarium and Madame Tussaud are available at a discount. Bookings can be made online.
Website: http://www.london-planetarium.com/

MANCHESTER TOWN HALL
Albert Square, Manchester, M60 2LA. Mural painting (Panel 7) in Great Hall by Ford Maddox Brown depicts William Crabtree (1610-1644) of Broughton observing the transit of Venus in 1639. His friend Jeremiah Horrocks observed the transit from Carr House (qv). For opening hours contact 0161-234 3074
Website: http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/celebs/artists.html

MILLS OBSERVATORY
Balgay Park, Glamis Road, Dundee, DD2 2UB. Tel. 01382 435846. Fax. 01382 435962
City of Dundee District Council, Art Galleries and Museums. 10-inch Cooke refractor. Lecture Room, seating capacity 30. Exhibition area. Sales counter. Audio-visual show. Planetarium (by arrangement), seating capacity 20. Oct to Mar, M to F 4:00pm to 10pm, Sat and Sun. 12:30pm to 4pm. Apr to Sep, Tue to Fri 11am to 5pm, Sat and Sun 12:30pm to 4pm. Admission free. Parties £10:00 by arrangement. SA.
Website: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/mills/

MINCHINHAMPTON PARISH CHURCH
Situated in the centre of Minchinhampton, near Stroud in Gloucestershire the church contains a plaque to James Bradley the 3rd Astronomer Royal who died in Chalford. The plaque is on the wall near the screen and was removed from his tomb in the late eighteenth century to foil thieves. The tomb itself is a chest, in the churchyard, on the north side of the church. It lies next a large pyramidal obelisk and carries a very worn inscription.
Website: http://www.thisisstroud.com/stroud/info/town_guide/minchinhampton.html

MULLARD RADIO ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY
University of Cambridge, Department of Physics. Ryle Telescope with 4 fixed and 4 rail-mounted 13 m dishes on 5km baseline. Optical interferometer telescope (COAST). 8 Centimetre-wavelength cosmic anisotropy telescope (CAT). Nine-acre pulsar discovery array. One Mile Telescope and several long-wavelength arrays. Guided tours by arrangement, normally on Saturday afternoons in the summer. Visitors entrance is by the lecture room in a former railway station, 5 miles SW of Cambridge on the A603. Contact Dr. Kenderdine, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HE
Tel: 01223 337733 Fax: 01233 354599
Website: http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/telescopes/index.html

MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
East Fortune, B1347 of the A1 near Haddington. Tel. 01620 880 308. Part of the National Museums of Scotland. 35 Aircraft from a Lightning and Mig 15 to a Pou De Ciel and Pichers 1896 Hawk. Rocket and satellite exhibition includes Me163B, Blue Streak, F-13, Black Knight, Blue Steel Motors, models, etc.
Housed in 4 Hangars on a WW II site. April to end of September, M-Su, 10.30am to 4.30pm SA. Cafe/Shop. Group Concessions. and special open days. SA
Website: http://www.nms.ac.uk/flight/

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE
Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ. Oxford (01865) 277280 (University of Oxford).
Unrivalled collections of early astronomical instruments (armillary spheres, orreries, astrolabes, quadrants, sundials, navigational instruments, telescopes etc.) mostly from the Evans and Billmeir collections, the Radcliffe Observatory and the Royal Astronomical Society. VA. Tuesday-Saturday 12 noon to 4.00pm. Herschel 7-foot telescope.
Website: http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
2 St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE. 0207 930 1552. Includes portraits of Edmond Halley by Richard Phillips, and Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Christopher Wren by Sir Godfrey Kneller.
NB. A four-year renovation of the Patent Office Building, which houses the National Portrait Gallery, began on January 10, 2000. The building will be closed to the public until this major renovation is complete in approximately fall 2004.
Website: http://www.npg.si.edu/

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM AND TELEVISION
Pictureville, Bradford, BD1 1NQ. Bradford 01274 727488. Joint venture between the Science Museum (London) and the City of Bradford Metropolitan Council. Includes an Education Unit, visits arranged. Explore the history, art and science of photography, film and TV. Special exhibitions throughout the year. Museum shop and café, also mail order . Open Tu-Su, 10.30am to 6pm. Closed M (open Bank & Main holidays except May Day). Admission free. Charge for Imax Cinema, housing Britain's largest cinema screen, 53ft high x 63ft wide including films produced in association with NASA. Kodak Museum open. Sat. Website: http://www.nmpft.org.uk/

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD. 0207 938 9123. Mineral Gallery; the most representative collection of meteorites in the world. Finest Moonrock outside the U.S.A. The new Earth Gallery shows history and geology of the earth and it’s place in the universe. Bookshop,souvenir and gift shop. M-Sa, 10.00 to 17.50, Su 11.00 to 17.50. Closed 23rd - 26th December inclusive. Entry is free. For group bookings phone 0207 938 9242. Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk

NATURAL SCIENCES CENTRE
Newchapel Observatory, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., ST7 4PT. Observatory complex - 18-inch Newtonian, planetarium, camera obscura, exhibition building, alternative energy exhibits, geology and dinosaur displays. Open 6 days a week and Thursday evenings, other evenings by arrangement. VA/GVO.
Tel: 01782 785205 Website: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leisure/museums2.htm
NELSON MONUMENT
Calton Hill, Edinburgh. Tower over 100ft high, designed in 1807. Time ball erected in 1851 and dropped daily (not Su) at 1pm. Open summer, M 1pm to 6pm, Tu-Sa 10am to 6pm; winter, M-Sa 10am to 3pm. Enquiries to City Art Centre, Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE Tel: 0131 529 3951
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CEC/Recreation/Leisure/Data/Nelson_Monument/Nelson_Monument.html

UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE
Dept of Physics, The University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU. 0191-222 7411. Observatory 1; Close House, 10 miles W of Newcastle. The Espin Observatory at Close House is used by both staff and students, and has a small library of star atlases and a collection of instruments of historic interest. The Observatory is equipped with a 4.5-inch refractor, a 12/17-inch Wright astronomical camera, a 12.5-inch photometric telescope with photon counting facility, a 10-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, a 24-inch Newtonian reflector. The Newtonian reflector was used by TECH Espin for research into double stars in the early part of this century and is still one of the largest telescopes in England GVO out of term time. Dr. D G McCartan in the Dept of Physics is Chairman of the University's Observatory Committee and he arranges observatory visits for the public.
Website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/research/facilities/observ.html

OLD ROYAL OBSERVATORY
Greenwich, London, SE10. Information: 0208 858 4422. Group bookings 0208-312 6651 The famous Meridian line was established at this site and the Time Signal Ball still drops at 1pm each day. Flamsteed House built by Wren was the Astronomer Royal's Apartments. The buildings have a fine collection of clocks, astronomical instruments and sundials and new displays tell the story of the discovery of longitude.
Opening Times: 10am to 5pm daily. Admission free.
Tel. 0208 312 6608, E Mail bookings@nmm.ac.uk, Website: http://www.rog.nmm.ac.uk/
Closed Dec 24-26.

ORWELL PARK OBSERVATORY
Public Relations Officer, Gary Coleman, 36 Orchard Grove, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1EJ IP10 0HS. Tel: 01473 - 644828 (day), 659806 (evenings). One of the largest amateur observatories in the country. 10-inch refractor plus associated facilities, library, club room etc., 20ft diameter dome, 60ft high tower. Superb site, clear horizon and dark sky apart from SE. Built in 1872. Main meeting W. evenings at 8pm
Website: http://ast.cam.ac.uk/~ipswich

THE PIAZZI SMYTH OBSERVATORY, BEDFORD SCHOOL.
A Community Observatory operated by members of Bedford A.S. and Bedford School A.S.
The main 5m dome houses a Meade LX200 12” at present but this will be replaced by a larger telescope in the near future. The adjacent resource room includes storage for a range of Dobsonian telescopes and a 4m Planetarium dome. The planetarium projector should be in place by Easter 2002.
Full details can be found on the web by following links at: www.BedsAstro.org.uk
Individuals are welcome to attend observing nights as listed on the ‘Events’ page.
A location map can be found on the web site.
Groups may book a visit by contacting Linton Guise on 01234 344706
or by email LGuise@BedfordSchool.org.uk or Observatory@BedsAstro.org.uk
Website: http://www.bedfordschool.org.uk/info/observ.htm

RADCLIFFE OBSERVATORY
Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HG (in the grounds of Green College). Designed by Henry Keene and James Wyatt, completed in 1794. Earliest example of Greek revival in Oxford. Octagonal Tower is based on the Tower of the Winds at Athens. On top is a globe supported by the figures of Hercules and Atlas. Closed in 1929 when the Observatory was transferred to South Africa and reopened in 1936, first as the Nuffield Institute of Medical Research and then in 1979 as part of Green College. Many of the original instruments are displayed at the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford (qv). Inspections may be arranged for individuals and small parties on application to the Domestic Bursar in advance. Tel: 01865 274777 Postcards relating to the building are available.
Website: http://www1.physics.ox.ac.uk/History/Observatory.html

ROYAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. Tel .0131 247 4219. Mineral Hall includes murals and mineralogy of meteorites. Science Gallery: "Instruments of Science", planetarium, telescopes, positional astronomy, sundials, astrolabes, orreries, globes, navigational instruments. Bookshop. M-Sa 10am to 5pm, Tu. 10am to 8pm, Su 12 noon to 5pm. SA. Admission free.
Website: http://www.nms.ac.uk/royal/index.htm

ROYAL OBSERVATORY, EDINBURGH
Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ.
The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh has been located on Blackford Hill some 2 miles south of the city since 1894. The staff numbers about 100 and the observatory is part of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). It provides facilities for U.K. Astronomers particularly in support of research at the Universities; Edinburgh University's Institute of Astronomy shares the buildings of the Royal Observatory. The observatory operates a Visitor Centre which consists of several permanent exhibition; these include "The Universe", opened in 1992, and "reaching for the Stars", opened in 1994, which describes work and life at the Observatory during its first 100 years on Blackford Hill. The tour of the Visitor Centre includes the two large telescopes formerly in use and a magnificent view of the city from the roof-top. There is also a well-stocked shop for the souvenir hunter, the amateur astronomer and the professional. During the winter a series of lectures is held on Friday evenings. Group visits can be arranged for any time.The Visitor Centre is open Summer season (April - September) 12.00 - 5.30 pm daily, Winter season (October - March) 1.00 - 5.00 pm daily but open until 9.30 pm on Fridays.
For further information and to book group visits telephone 0131-668 8405
Website: http://www.roe.ac.uk/

ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE
King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN. The Painted Hall, in King William Building, was painted by Sir James Thornhill over 19 years from 1708. The East end of the main ceiling painting includes John Flamsteed, first Astronomer Royal, with his assistant Thomas Weston, observing through his sextant telescope and predicting the eclipse of the Sun on 22nd April 1715. Tycho Brahe, the great Renaissance astronomer, is separately portrayed on the North side of the painted area. Nearby is Copernicus with the system of Pythagoras portrayed immediately behind and old Sage poring over the drawings of Isaac Newton. The central ellipse of the main ceiling painting is a balcony around which are depicted the "Seasons" and representations of the signs of the Zodiac. The West end includes Archimedes consulting the globe, the figure of "Navigation" is shown holding a forestaff, Galileo with his telescope and "Astronomy" and "Geography" with terrestrial globes and spheres. (Several figures from the Zodiac are shown sculpted underneath the arch above the steps leading to the Upper Hall.
Open 7 days a week 2.30pm to 5pm. Last entry 4.30pm.
Website: http://www.greenwichfoundation.org.uk/

THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Octagon Galleries, Milsom Street, Bath. BA1 1DN Tel: 01225 462841. Fax : 01225 448688, E mail rps@rps.org. The exciting headquarters of the oldest photographic society in the world. Four galleries show a stimulating programme of exhibitions of national and international importance. Visit the famous museum and archives; see the first photograph and admire some of the most outstanding classic examples of photography and equipment. Worksheets provided for children, talks arranged for groups, bookshop and Coffee House/Restaurant "In Focus". Open 7 days a week 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Adults £2:50, concessions £1:75. Website: http://www.rps.org

RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY
Chilton, Didcot, Oxon. OX11 0QX Tel. 01235 445451 GVO/VA Fascinating view into modern science with high energy and neutron physics (children under 16 are not allowed into the ISIS operating hall), Central Computing Facility with supercomputers (Cray and IBM), advanced lasers and the Space Science Department make an exciting day - you won't have time to visit them all!
Website: http://www.rl.ac.uk/

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
School of Physics & Astronomy, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife. KY16 9SS.
Tel. 01334 463100 (dept office)
38 inch Cassegrain/Schmidt reflector, 20 inch Ritchey-Chretien reflector, twin 16 inch reflector, 10 inch Meade reflector, two 8 inch Celestron reflectors and 6 inch Zeiss Coude refractor. Group visits organised.
Contact J R Stapleton (01334-463141) or Dr. R W Hilditch (01334-463121) at University of St Andrews, School of Physics & Astronomy, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS.

SCIENCE MUSEUM
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD. A selection of astronomical instruments from the eighteenth century can be seen in a new gallery, Science in the Eighteenth Century, the King George III Collection. These include personal artefacts belonging to King George III as well as many examples of the development of early scientific instruments and some magnificent Orreries. Novel Foucault pendulum designed by Sir Brian Pippard. Time Measurement Gallery includes water clocks, chronometers, quartz crystal and caesium clocks. Photographic and Cinematography Gallery and the Optics Gallery include items of astronomical interest. Geophysics and Oceanography Gallery: geomagnetism, gravity, tides. Exploration of Space Gallery: satellites and rocket vehicles including Apollo 10 Command Module, MARECS, Ariel 1, Scout, V2 propulsion unit, Black Arrow, Prospero and Lunar Roving Vehicle; special sections on space science and astronomy and remote sensing. Bookshop and VA. M-Sa 10am to 6pm, Su 11am to 6pm. SA and meetings for teachers, contact Education Unit.
Website: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

SOUTH DOWNS PLANETARIUM
The South Downs Planetarium, Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8RP Tel 01243 77440/829868.
Opened in 2002, this well-equipped, 96-seat planetarium is part of a wider Science Centre. Closely linked to National Curriculum work for Key Stages 1,2 and 3; GCSE Astronomy, General Studies, including Environmental Science; and Physics AS and A level. Presentations, with Q&A sessions by Dr John Mason, physicist, lecturer and broadcaster. Continuing programme of new, innovative presentations.

SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE
The Planetarium, South Tyneside College, St George's Avenue, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 6ET. 0191 427 3589 Planetarium: Spitz A3P projector, seating capacity 75. Range of programmes (list available). Private presentations for schools, colleges and societies, £100. Public shows 7pm most Th during term time adults £3:00, children £1:50. Observatory open Monday evenings for school groups Tuesday evenings for general public. £1:00, groups £1:50 each person. Astronomy courses: GCSE Astronomy, Everyman's Astronomy, Teachers' In-Service Course in Astronomy. Planetarium shop: books, posters, star charts, slides etc. Telescope hire service (Small reflectors).

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA CENTRAL MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM
Victoria Avenue Southend-On-Sea Essex SS2 6EW Tel: 01702 215131
25 Seater planetarium. The Universe – A Users Guide! Saturdays at 4:00pm. Other introductory night sky talks Weds. to Fri. 11:00am, 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Saturdays 11:00am and 2:00pm.
Adults £2:50, concessions £1:60.
Reductions availabel for groups of ten or more.

THE SPACEGUARD CENTRE
The Spaceguard Centre, Llanshay Lane, Knighton, Powys LD7 1LW
The Centre is located at the former Powys Observatory that overlooks the town of Knighton in mid-Wales. The Centre is easily accessible from the main A4113 that passes through Knighton. It is signed from the main road just east of the town.
Tel: 01547 520247 Fax: 01547 520247 spaceguard@spaceguarduk.com
Website: http://www.spaceguarduk.com/

STONEHENGE
Application forms for school parties to obtain free admission and further details from Educational Bookings, English Heritage, First Floor, Abbey Buildings, Abbey Square, Amesbury, Wilts SP4 7ES. Tel: 01980 625368 Temple or astronomical observatory? Circle of stones built in at least three stages between 2350BC and 1350BC. Measurements of its orientation have led some to suggest that it was erected as a device to predict astronomical occurrences. Access to the centre circle is restricted by means of a rope barrier during visiting hours. Times of opening to the public varies according to time of year, but generally between 9:30am and 4:00pm (6:00pm in Summer). Closed Christmas Eve, Day, Boxing Da. Adults £4:40, children £2:20, concessions £3:30. 10% discount on parties of over 11 people.
Facilities: shop, toilets, parking, snacks, access for disabled.
Website: http://www.thestoryofstonehenge.co.uk/astronomy/ or http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/stoneh/

TECHNIQUEST
72 Bute Street, Pier Head, Cardiff CF1 6AA Tel: 2920 475 475 Fax:02920 482 517
E Mail: gen@tquest.org.uk Website: http://www.tquest.org.uk
Science discovery centre with many scientific ideas simply demonstrated. An inflatable planetarium is available for hire. Phone 01222 475476. for current prices

TREASURER'S HOUSE
Minster Yard, York, YO1 2JD. Tel. 01904 624247. Plaque commemorating John Goodricke. Guidebook with references to Goodricke and full-colour whole-page portrait. Open every day 10.30am to 5pm except Friday. (last admission 4.30pm). Adults £3:50, Children £1:75. National Trust members free.
Video and licensed restaurant.
Website: http://www.microart-ukheritage.co.uk/houses/treasure.htm

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON OBSERVATORY
Mill Hill Park, London, NW7 2QS. Observatory Annexe, 33/35 Daws Lane, London, NW7 4SD. Tel. 0208-959 0421. (Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College, London). 24-18-inch refractor, 24-inch Cassegrain Coude reflector, 8-inch and 6-inch refractors, four 8-inch and two 10-inch catadioptric instruments, 12-inch coelostat. The Observatory is open to the public on the first and third Fridays of the month from October to March. Advance booking is required, and no visitor can be admitted without having made an advance arrangement. Bookings can be made via the Observatory secretary. To book, telephone the secretary on 020-8238 8870 (weekdays, 0900h to 1300h), or 020-8959 0421 (answering machine), or write to: University of London Observatory, 553 Watford Way, Mill Hill Park, London NW7 2QS. Tours run for one hour from 1830 and from 1930. If it is clear, visitors may be able to view the sky through the Fry 8-inch refractor. If the sky is not clear, no observing will be possible, but visitors will be given a full tour of the telescopes and facilities. Arrangements can be made for school parties to visit the Observatory: contact the Observatory secretary at the above address for details. Website: http://www.ulo.ucl.ac.uk/

WELLS CATHEDRAL
Wells, Somerset. Astronomical clock (c 1390) housed in the North Transept. One of the finest medieval dials of its kind in the world. Dial (over 6ft in diameter) indicates hour of day and position of Sun, minutes, date of the lunar month and phase of the Moon. (Original works at Science Museum (qv)). Open every day of the year for individuals and groups; guided tours can be arranged in advance.
Contact the Cathedral Office on 01749 674483
Website: http://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/

WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Parliament Square, London, SW1. Tel: 0207 222 5152. E mail. press@westminster-abbey.org
Buried here: Thomas Tompion (1638-1713) (same grave as George Graham), the father of English watchmakers; Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727); George Graham (1673-1751), astronomical instrument maker; Sir John Herschel (1738-1822). Memorials: Sir William Herschel (1738-1822); John Couch Adams (1819-1892); Jeremiah Horrocks (1617-1641).
Open all year M-F 9:30am to 4:45pm, Sat. 9:30am to 2:45pm.
Adults £6:00, children (11-15) £3:00, concessions £3:00.
Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org

WHIPPLE MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE
Free School Lane, Cambridge. Tel. 01223 334540. email hps-whipple-museum@lists.cam.ac.uk
Armillary spheres, astrolabes, quadrants, sextants, circles, sundials, globes, orreries, telescopes, together with a range of instruments in other scientific fields. Catalogue and other publications. Special exhibitions.
M-F 2pm to 4pm. open Sa 10am-4pm during special events.
Website: http://www.hps.cam.ac.uk/whipple/Fpage.html

WIMBORNE MINSTER
Wimborne, Dorset. Astronomical clock/orrery C14th century on the South Wall. Indicates hour of day, phase of the Moon. The Minster is open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm so the clock is now on view to visitors, at no charge, unless there is a church service in progress. Colour slides, guidebooks and postcards always available, and either the Co-ordinator or a guide is always on hand to explain the clock workings
Website: http://www.wimborneminster.org.uk/

WOOLSTHORPE MANOR
(National Trust). 23 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, nr Grantham, Lincs. NG33 5NR
Birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727). Formulated his three great discoveries here - the differential calculus, composition of white light and the laws of gravitation. Apr to end Oct, Wednesday through to Sunday inclusiv. Parties must book in advance. Tel: 01476 860338
Website: http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/newton.html

WORLD OF GLASS MUSEUM
The World Of Glass, 103 Church Street, St. Helens WA10 1AJ. Tel. 01744 227666.
Formerly the Pilkington Glass Museum, traces the history of glass-making and the glass industry.
Open every day 10:00am to 5:00pm, (except Mondays, Christmas and New Year holidays)
Website: http://www.worldofglass.com/

WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF CLOCKMAKERS
Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London, EC2P 2EJ. Tel. 0207 606 3030. Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Museum. Collection includes astronomical clocks, marine chronometers (eg John Harrison's "H5") and a fine collection of clocks and watches.
M-F 9.30am to 4.45pm. SA. Contact Keeper, Sir George White
Website: http://www.clockmakers.org/

YORK CASTLE MUSEUM
York, YO1 1RY. York Tel. 01904 653611. Shop of Thomas Cooke (1807-68), optical instrument maker, reconstructed in Princess Mary Court. Apr to Oct, M-Sa 9.30am to 6.15pm, Su 10am to 6.15pm. Nov to Mar, M-Sa 9.30am to 4.45pm, Su 10am to 4.45pm.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Last admission 45 mins before closure.
Website: http://www.york.gov.uk/heritage/museums/castle/

YORK MINSTER
Astronomical clock (1955). Memorial to airmen who fell in World War II. Reproduces risings, settings, meridian transits and altitudes and azimuths of the true Sun (as observed at York).
Contact The Visitors Department, St. William’s College, 5 College Street, York, YO1 7JF.
Tel. 01904 639347 Website: http://www.yorkminster.org/

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM
Museum Gardens, York, YO1 2DR. Tel. 01904 629745. Fax. 01904 651221. Geology collection includes Middlesborough meteorite which fell on 14th March 1881. Observatory in Museum grounds. Octagonal building in Greek style built by Yorkshire Philosophical Society in 1832, formerly housed instruments provided by Dr. Pearson and Thomas Cooke. Observations made with the transit instrument were used to obtain Local Mean Time. The Observatory has been restored and was reopened on 1st September 1981. It now contains a 4½-inch Cooke refractor, displays on its history, York astronomers, period setting etc. The observatory is open on every Thursday evening between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. during November - February. Other times by appointment.
Website: http://www.york.gov.uk/heritage/museums/yorkshire/

ABBREVIATIONS USED ABOVE:

GVO = Group Visits Only
SA = Special Arrangements may be made for group visits
VA = Visual Aids (slides, postcards etc) relating to the buildings and instruments available for sale
Days of the week are denoted by single letters except for Tu, Th, Sa and Su

If this list fails to produce a suggestion, the following web sites might come up trumps:

http://www.aae.org.uk/Astronomy_centres.htm maintains a list of astronomy centres

http://www.uk.seds.org/ maintains a list of Space-related Museums, Planetariums etc in the UK

http://www.planetarium.org.uk/ maintains a list of planetaria to visit – as does

http://www.pparc.ac.uk/Ed/asr_planetaria.asp

Places to Visit in USA and Australia.

This list was compiled by Dr Lilian Hobbs and all of the locations are covered in her talk 'Wish You Were Here for Astronomers'

FLORIDA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTRE
The Kennedy Space Center has hosted millions of guests from around the world for more than 30 years telling the story of how the United States built a space program that launched men to the moon, orbited satellites that have improved our lives, and sent probes into distant space to solve the mysteries of the cosmos
Website: http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/

WASHINGTON

SMITHSONIAN AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum (NASM) maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital centre for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Museum has hundreds of artefacts on display including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," Apollo 11 command module, and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. The museum continues to develop new exhibits to examine the impact of air and space technology on science and society
Website: http://www.nasm.si.edu/

NASA GODDARD SPACE CENTRE
The Center, located in a Maryland suburb outside of Washington, DC, is home to the Nation's largest organization of combined scientists and engineers dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge of the Earth, solar system, and Universe.
Website: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/

CALIFORNIA

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE
For more than 50 years, Edwards Air Force Base – home of the Air Force Flight Test Centre – has been the home of more major milestones in flight than any other place on earth.
Website: http://www.edwards.af.mil/

JPL PASADENA
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by the California Institute of Technology, is NASA's lead center for robotic exploration of the solar system. Our spacecraft have visited all the planets in our solar system except Pluto. JPL telescopes are observing distant galaxies in the universe to study how our solar system was formed. We also manage the worldwide Deep Space Network, which communicates with spacecraft and conducts scientific investigations from its complexes in California's Mojave Desert near Goldstone; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia. JPL cameras and sensors are aboard satellites circling Earth to study the ozone, oceans and other Earth sciences. To support our continued exploration, JPL is making advances in technology with new instruments and computer programs to help our spaceships travel further and our telescopes see farther than ever before.
JPL's main 72-hectare (177-acre) site is at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, California, 19 kilometres (12 miles) northeast of Los Angeles.
Website: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/

MT. WILSON
Much of our understanding of the Universe came from research done at this facility. Located just outside Pasadena, California, in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Observatory has a heritage of major contributions dating from the beginning of this century, and continues to remain at the forefront of observational astronomy and astrophysics. Meteorological conditions above the Los Angeles Basin provide the best circumstances for astronomical observations on the North American continent.
Website: http://www.mtwilson.edu/

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
The Observatory is owned, operated, and financed by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. It was a gift to the city by Col. Griffith J. Griffith (1850 - 1919), who also donated Griffith Park and the Greek Theatre. The Observatory is a non-profit educational institution whose purpose is to provide information on astronomy and related sciences to the public. It is not a research institution, although from time to time it carries out modest research projects.
The Griffith Observatory closed to the public for a three-year renovation in January, 2002. However, the web site can give you a good virtual tour until it re-opens.
Website: http://www.griffithobs.org/

MT. PALOMAR
Palomar Observatory is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology, a privately endowed educational and research institution located in Pasadena, California, and is used to support the scientific research programs of Caltech's faculty and students.The principal instruments at Palomar are the 200-inch Hale Telescope, the 48-inch Oschin Telescope, the 18-inch Schmidt telescope, and the 60-inch reflecting telescope (operated jointly by Caltech and the Carnegie Institute of Washington). By agreement, Caltech shares use of the Hale Telescope with astronomers from Cornell University and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Website: http://www.astro.caltech.edu/observatories/palomar/

ARIZONA & NEW MEXICO

KITT PEAK
Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for night time optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Founded in 1958, KPNO operates 3 major night time telescopes and hosts operations of the National Solar Observatory and university consortia running 19 optical telescopes and two radio telescopes. Kitt Peak is located 56 miles southwest of Tucson, AZ, and has a Visitor Center open daily to the public
Website: http://www.noao.edu/kpno/

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
The Pima Air & Space Museum is a private, non-profit, educational organization located in Tucson, Arizona.
Website: http://www.pimaair.org/

ROSWELL CITY MUSEUM (RECREATION OF GODDARD'S WORKSHOP)
The Roswell Museum and Art Center houses a replica of Robert H. Goddard's workshop where modern rocketry was born. The adjoining Roswell Goddard Planetarium is the state's largest and features multi-media shows year around.
Website: http://www.roswellcvb.com
(Rosewell also houses the International UFO Museum and Research Centre . Founded in 1991 on the back of the Rosewell Incident. Website: http://www.iufomrc.org/ )

WHITE SANDS MISSILE BASE
A museum and park have been set up to celebrate the unique role of WSMR in U.S. missile and space technology. The White Sands Missile Range Museum features the exploits of Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team of scientists. The museum exhibit includes photos and early instruments used by this team while testing V-2 rockets at WSMR. Outside of the museum is Missile Park. Missile Park features approximately 30-40 rockets and missiles tested at WSMR throughout the years. There is a mix of both military hardware and civilian rockets, such as sounding rockets used to explore the fringes of space. The White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park are INSIDE the military base of WSMR. To visit, you will need to get a Visitors Pass at the guard station.

ALAMOGORDO SPACE CENTRE & IMAX
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. It is a complex consisting of the space museum, Planetarium, IMAX® dome theater, Hubbard Space Science Education Facility and the International Space Hall of Fame.
Websites: http://www.spacefame.org/ and Website: http://www.grandcanyonimaxtheater.com/

SPIN CAST MIRROR MAKING FACILITY (TUCSON)
At the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory, a team of scientists and engineers is making giant, lightweight mirrors of unprecedented power for a new generation of optical and infrared telescopes.
527 National Champion Drive, Tucson, AZ 85721aklocko@as.arizona.edu
Website: http://medusa.as.arizona.edu/mlab/mlab.html

WHIPPLE OBSERVATORY
Located near Amado, Arizona on Mount Hopkins, the observatory has the following facilities: 1.5-meter (60-inch) and 1.2-meter (48-inch) reflector telescopes used for solar system, galactic and extragalactic astronomy: the 6.5-meter (256-inch) MMT, a joint facility operated with the University of Arizona (also for solar system, galactic and extragalactic astronomy): a 10-meter optical Gamma-ray reflector: the IOTA Telescopes, used for optical and infrared interferometry (in collaboration with several institutions). A Visitors Center at the base of Mount Hopkins.
Website: http://linmax.sao.arizona.edu/help/FLWO/whipple.html

NASA CLOUDCROFT
The Liquid Mirror Telescope (LMT) was developed at NASA-JSC and moved to Cloudcroft, New Mexico for the purpose of measuring the population of small orbital debris particles. The LMT consists of a 3 m diameter parabolic dish that holds four gallons of liquid mercury. The dish is spun up to a rate of 10 revolutions per minute. Centrifugal force and gravity cause the mercury to spread out in a thin layer over the dish creating a reflective parabolic surface that is as good as many polished glass mirrors. The LMT is "housed" inside a large six story observatory with a 50 ft diameter dome which was originally built by the US Air Force for satellite observations and studies of missile launches from nearby White Sands.
This observatory, located just outside of Cloudcroft, New Mexico provides excellent viewing conditions. The elevation above sea level is 9,061 feet. The skies are among the darkest in the United States, and the atmosphere contains relatively little water vapor, dust, smoke, and/or aerosols that affect the transmission of light through the air Website: http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/measure/optical.html

LAS CRUCES CHURCH (STAINED GLASS WINDOW TO CLYDE TOMBAUGH)
A stained glass window dedicated to the memory of Clyde W. Tombaugh, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, NM, has been placed on the east side of the church. Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of the planet Pluto at Lowell Observatory in 1930, was among the founders of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces in 1955. Website: http://www.zianet.com/aslc/tmw/

TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM
The Titan Museum is located approximately 25 miles south of Tucson. The Titan II is a second-generation liquid fuelled ballistic missile and the largest Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) ever developed by the United States. In 1986, the Air Force turned this site over to be used as a museum
Website: http://www.pimaair.org/titan_01.htm

AUSTRALIA

PERTH OBSERVATORY
Perth Observatory is situated in the Darling Range, approximately 40 km inland from the coast and 25 km from the center of Perth. Various type of tours are conducted for the general public – guided observatory tours and star viewing sessions (by appointment only).
Telephone:(61) (08) 9293 8255 Fax: (61) (08) 9293 8138 Email: perthobs@iinet.net.au
Website: http://www.wa.gov.au/perthobs/

SYDNEY OBSERVATORY
Museum of Astronomy & Public Observatory, part of the Powerhouse Museum
Phone: 02 9217 0485
Website: www.phm.gov.au/observe/