Open University Astronomy Club
Open University Astronomy Club
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The only way to contact us is by email.
If you wish to arrange a visit to the observatory please click here to download a PDF booking form (print, fill it in, scan) then email it to Sheridan Williams (sheridan@ouastro.co.uk) giving your name, email address, name of the group, ages and a selection of preferred dates. Or here for a Microsoft Word file.
Itinerary for visiting groups
3 x 30 minute sessions with a maximum of 10 people per session (i.e. 30 in any single group):
Session 1: Located in the observatory's dome - Learn about the Alan Cooper Telescope, what it is capable of, how it works, how to use it. If the sky is clear we will look at interesting object in the sky - planets, Moon, star clusters, galaxies etc. Note that not what is visible is dependent on the time of year and the position of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun.
Session 2: Located downstairs in the observatory and outside - check out the observatory's range of telescopes, smartphone and computer apps.
Session 3: Located in the Robert Hooke building - have a look at meteorites, space craft and upcoming and current space events.
Open University's Health & Safety policy
The observatory is a dangerous place with steep stairs and expensive and
potentially hazardous equipment which is not suitable for use by young
children. We suggest nine years is the minimum age for children in a mixed group.
Parents/supervisors must remember that low levels of light accompany observation
which some young children may find difficult to cope with and this can be
distracting for other members of the group.
Children must be supervised at all times by parents/guardians/group leaders and
as such they are responsible for the good conduct of children in their charge.
Any child not respecting the rules will be required to leave.
If we accept 8 year olds they will have to observe outside the observatory.
Provides a view of the orbits of the planets and, if selected, the Dwarf Planets.
The viewing angle of the orbits can be altered. The angle can be reduced so that the planets appear to be on a line.
https://in-the-sky.org/solarsystem.php
Computer generated Earth-based view of stars and planets
Shows planets, stars. Also constellations with names and pictures to illustrate them.
Can set the view to a particular time and date (past or present), and to a specific latitude and longitude.
Useful collection of tools for observing
https://www.schoolsobservatory.org