Godlee Observatory

High on the roof of the University of Manchester's Sackville Street Building, the Godlee Observatory has watched over the city centre since 1902, its papier-mâché dome one of only two of its kind left in the country.

About Godlee Observatory

The observatory was a gift to the city of Manchester from Francis Godlee, completed in 1902, and sits on the G floor of the Sackville Street Building, formerly the UMIST Main Building. It is operated by the Manchester Astronomical Society and reached via an Edwardian-era wrought iron staircase and a trap door.

History

Since its completion, the observatory has remained under the care of the Manchester Astronomical Society. As of November 2022, it has been closed indefinitely due to redevelopment work on the University of Manchester's North Campus.

Telescopes & research

The observatory holds two original telescopes made by Grubb of Dublin: a Newtonian telescope using a concave primary mirror with a flat diagonal secondary, and a refracting telescope that forms its image through a lens objective. Its dome, made of papier-mâché, is one of only two surviving examples of this construction method in the UK, the other being at Mills Observatory.

Location & getting there

Godlee Observatory is located in the city centre of Manchester, England, atop the Sackville Street Building on the University of Manchester campus.

Visiting Godlee Observatory

The observatory is currently closed indefinitely due to redevelopment work on the surrounding North Campus. Check with the Manchester Astronomical Society for updates on when public access might resume.

See your named star from here

Two historic Grubb of Dublin telescopes have looked out from this rooftop dome for over a century. If you've named a star with Star Register, its certificate gives the exact coordinates for an observatory like this to find it once it reopens. Browse the star catalogue to find yours.