Norman Lockyer Observatory facts for kids

The Norman Lockyer Observatory is a special place where people can explore the stars and learn about space. It's a public observatory located about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Sidmouth, in East Devon, South West England. This observatory has many old and important telescopes, including the famous Lockyer Telescope. Volunteers from the Norman Lockyer Observatory Society (NLOS) help run it.

A Look Back: The Observatory's History

The Norman Lockyer Observatory was started in 1912 by a famous scientist named Norman Lockyer. He moved to Sidmouth after his old observatory in London closed. At first, it was called the Hill Observatory. After Lockyer passed away in 1920, it was renamed the Norman Lockyer Observatory to honor him. His wife, Mary Thomasina Browne (also known as "Lady Lockyer"), was very interested in the observatory and gave it many gifts. She even became a member of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1923!

Lockyer's work at the observatory was very important. He studied the temperature of stars. His ideas helped us understand how stars change over time, which is called stellar evolution. This work also helped create a whole new field of science called astrophysics, which combines physics and astronomy.

Who Looked After the Observatory?

The University of Exeter managed the observatory from 1948 to 1984. Then, in 1984, the East Devon District Council became its owner. After some repairs, the council leased it to the Norman Lockyer Observatory Society (NLOS) in 1995.

Over the years, new parts were added to the observatory. In 1996, an exhibition area and a 60-seat Planetarium were built. A larger hall for lectures and meetings, with 100 seats, was added in 2005. In 2012, the Connaught Dome opened. This dome includes the 'Lockyer Technology Centre', which is where the observatory does radio astronomy.

Today, friendly volunteers run the observatory. It's often open to the public on certain afternoons and evenings, so you can visit and learn!

Amazing Instruments and Telescopes

The observatory has both modern telescopes that use computers to create images and some of the oldest, most important astronomical tools in the country. It's a great spot because it has a fairly dark night sky and a clear view towards the sea in the south. There are five main domes, each with a special telescope:

• Mond Dome: This dome holds the 6¼-inch Lockyer Telescope. It was built in 1871. Before this telescope was even built, Norman Lockyer used its main lens to discover helium in 1868!
• Kensington Dome: Here you'll find the Kensington Telescope. It was made in 1881 for an observatory in London. This telescope has two tubes: a 10-inch tube for looking at things and a 9-inch tube with a special prism and camera for studying light (called spectroscopy).
• McClean Dome: This dome houses the McClean Telescope, which was given to the observatory by Francis McClean in 1912. Built in 1897, it also has two tubes: a 12-inch tube with a camera and a 10-inch tube for observing. Next to this telescope is the Cooke Siderostat, which can project the Sun's light spectrum and show its dark lines (called Fraunhofer lines).
• Connaught Dome: This dome contains a 20-inch reflector telescope. It's also home to the observatory's radio astronomy equipment, known as the Lockyer Technology Centre.
• Victoria Dome: Inside this dome is a 12-inch reflector telescope.

Why This Location is Perfect

The observatory is in a fantastic place for studying the light from space, which is called spectral analysis. This needs a very clear sky. The air over the sea to the east and south is usually clean, meaning there's not much air pollution or light pollution. Also, because the sea has a steady temperature, the air above it doesn't have rising currents that can make images blurry. This helps astronomers get very clear views.

What Else Happens Here?

The observatory is busy with both optical (light) and radio astronomy. It has groups for taking amazing space pictures, working with technology, studying meteorology (weather) and weather satellites, and even a group that looks into the history of science. The observatory's special radio call sign for events is 'GB2NLO'.

The observatory works with universities like the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth, and the Open University. It's a great place for science projects and learning. Every year, on the second Saturday in August, it hosts the South West Astronomy Fair. In 2012, the observatory celebrated its 100th birthday! Famous musician and astronomer Brian May even helped open the Connaught Dome and the Lockyer Technology Centre during the celebrations.

The observatory also has a library with old books and special glass plates used for studying light. Many of Norman Lockyer's original papers are kept at the University of Exeter.

The Norman Lockyer Observatory Society

The observatory is home to the "Norman Lockyer Observatory Society (NLOS)", which is an astronomical society started in 1995. It's a registered charity. This means its main goals are to help people understand science, technology, and astronomy better. They also support science education in schools and universities.

The observatory gets its money from its members, private donations, and the fees from its Public Open Days. It does not receive money from the government or ongoing grants from other large organizations.