Heritage Assets
Kensington Telescope
McClean Telescope
Lockyer Telescope
Browning Telescope
Cooke Siderostat
Modern Assets
Planetarium
Victoria Telescope
Weather Station
Library
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About the NLO
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.
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