Great Shefford Observatory

Great Shefford Observatory is a private research observatory in West Berkshire, England, known internationally for its work tracking near-Earth asteroids and comets.

About Great Shefford Observatory

Operated by astronomer Peter Birtwhistle, the observatory has been fully operational since 26 May 2002 and holds the Minor Planet Center observatory code J95, assigned that same June.

History

The observatory began with a 12-inch telescope and CCD camera. In 2005 both were upgraded, to a 16-inch telescope and an enhanced CCD camera, improving its ability to track fainter objects. That year the work also earned support from the Planetary Society's Gene Shoemaker NEO Grant and the British Astronomical Association's Ridley Grant.

Telescopes & research

Great Shefford Observatory focuses on tracking and refining the orbits of near-Earth objects, along with observing dimmer comets, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, unusual satellites, and deep-sky objects.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in West Berkshire, roughly 60 miles west of London, within the Europe region Star Register tracks alongside other observatories.

Visiting Great Shefford Observatory

As a private research observatory, Great Shefford is not set up for public tours; anyone interested in its work should look for current contact details before reaching out.

See your named star from here

The precise coordinates included with every star named through Star Register are exactly the kind of data an observatory like this uses to track objects each night. Explore the packages or browse the catalogue to name your own.