South West Astronomy Fair!

By louisasmith | Friday, February 26, 2010, 14:04

The Norman Lockyer observatory in Sidmouth has been a historical, scientific research centre since 1912 and is no longer a place for scientific research but a place for educational purposes. The observatory offers courses on astronomy, meteorology, amateur radio and sciences of the coast and countryside. The observatory was founded by Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer to continue his studies when his observatory in South Kensington was shut down. It now provides a facility for groups of enthusiasts to pursue scientific studies as well as offer individual projects.

Norman Lockyer Observatory
Norman Lockyer Observatory

On Saturday, 7th August, the observatory will host its fifth Astronomy fair which attracts visitors from all over the country. The observatory will provide lectures by leading astronomers as well as give people the chance to buy the latest astrological gear. The Planetarium is open to presentations and there will be telescope dome tours which will take place throughout the day.

The fair offers car parking facilities along with disabled access. There will also be refreshments and a special stand for people with disabilities. Brail models for the visually impaired are also accessable at the fair. The Fair is suitable for all ages and promises to be an exciting day out for the whole family.

Tom Smith from Exmouth said that he went to the Astronomy fair with the Exmouth Explorers last year and said “I thought it was interesting I learnt a lot about the solar system and stars and stuff that I didn’t know before”.

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Comments

It is a fascinating place, i was invited to an open day there where they showed me around and told me about the work they did there. Then we looked at some of the scientific research they do and i watched a comit break up outside Jupiter through a telescope in Hawaii! It's definately a place worht visiting if you love your Astronomy.

By louisasmith at 10:06 on 28/05/10
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This sounds absolutely fascinating. I used to be a member of Cambridge University astronomy society and loved going to the open evenings, looking through the telescope etc. I've also been to Joddrell Bank in the North West, but recently moved to Exmouth and didn't realise there was somewhere so close-by. Thanks!

By Rockwell1 at 16:28 on 01/03/10
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