Alston Observatory visit

Alston Observatory can be found in the dark countryside of Lancashire. On the evening of Friday 4 February our intrepid team of Year 10 Skylark physicists took a trip to see if the heavens might be seen. Perhaps predictably, the weather with both high winds and cloud cover was not to be suitable. Sheltered from the elements the astronomers kept us amused with a presentation on the history of the telescope and a planetarium show, as well as a look around the observatory with its 15" Grubb refractor dating from 1894 and still a first class instrument. The professionals, including Katie Harris (pictured by the Grubb), gave a fascinating insight into the life style and career of a young physicist; plenty of travel, meeting people and academic challenge. Many thanks to the University of Central Lancashire, the Ogden Trust, and all those involved, for making this visit possible.

AJP 23 February 2011

Alston Observatory visit

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