The Observatory

A joint project between Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society, the observatory was opened on Feb. 9th., 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.

School parties and groups from all corners of the community have viewed the wonders of the universe through the 8-inch refractor, believed to be the largest working telescope of its kind in the north of England. The visitors book has just received its 1000th. signature. Particular highlights have been the 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.