Cambridge Observatory

Cambridge Observatory has watched over the western edge of Cambridge, England, since 1823, and today forms the historic heart of the University of Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy.

About Cambridge Observatory

The original Observatory building on Madingley Road now houses the Institute of Astronomy's library, home to a collection of modern and historical astronomical books. From 1990 to 1998 the Royal Greenwich Observatory itself was based nearby in Greenwich House, just north of the site, underlining Cambridge's long-standing place in British astronomy.

History

Established in 1823, the observatory predates most of the instruments still standing on its grounds. Its 36-inch telescope was used for stellar radial-velocity studies right up until 2019, showing how a nineteenth-century site can remain scientifically useful for two centuries.

Telescopes & research

The site's real draw for visitors is its pair of historic refractors: the Northumberland Telescope, a 12-inch instrument donated by the Duke of Northumberland in 1833, and the Thorrowgood Telescope. Both are affected by modern light pollution for serious research but are actively used for public outreach.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on Madingley Road in the west of Cambridge, within easy reach of the city centre and well signposted as part of the Institute of Astronomy campus.

Visiting Cambridge Observatory

The Institute of Astronomy holds free public open evenings every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm between October and March, with doors opening at 6:30pm and a half-hour talk starting at 7:15pm. On clear nights, visitors can look through the Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes, while members of the Cambridge Astronomical Association set up modern telescopes on the observatory lawns; on cloudy evenings the talk is followed by tea and biscuits instead.

See your named star from here

The astronomers running these open evenings can point the historic telescopes at coordinates anywhere in the visible sky, including the position of a star named through Star Register. Look up any star's exact right ascension and declination in our star catalogue before your visit.