Royal Observatory Edinburgh opens to the public for first time since 2019

After holding several virtual events during the pandemic, the Royal Observatory is back for their first in-person Doors Open Days since 2019 on 24 and 25 September. An opportunity to see behind the scenes and find out more about the amazing astronomy and scientific innovations taking place on Blackford Hill.

The Royal Observatory in Edinburgh is a working site where cutting-edge science takes place every day. At Doors Open Days visitors will be able to meet scientists and engineers who work at The UK Astronomy Technology CentreEdinburgh University’s Institute for Astronomy and the Higgs Centre for Innovation.

Activities across the weekend include tours of the Victorian building and telescope dome, astronomy crafts, demonstrations from ground-breaking telescope projects and space and tech start-ups. There will also be a chance to talk to and hear from scientists, astronomers, engineers and technicians who work on exciting international projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope; the Square Kilometre Array, the worldā€™s largest radio telescope; the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile and more.

Conrad Graham, UK ATC Head of Strategic Development, said: ā€œWe canā€™t wait to welcome people back to the Royal Observatory again. Weā€™re looking forward to giving everyone an insight into the some of the amazing work and research taking place on site with an exciting mix of science activities and fun for all ages across the weekend.ā€

Royal Observatory Doors Open Days

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September 10am-5pm (last entry to site at 4.15pm)

Royal Observatory Edinburgh Blackford Hill EH9 3HJ

Advanced booking is now full but there will be limited spaces on the door.Ā 

An aerial view of the Royal Observatory site taken in 2019.
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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.