Tarbatness Observatory

Tarbatness Observatory is a private astronomical observatory on the Tarbatness Peninsula near Portmahomack, in the Highlands of Scotland.

About Tarbatness Observatory

Established in 2010, the observatory was set up by a retired astronomer who moved to the site specifically to build it. It houses two observatory domes and focuses on cometary astrometry, using telescopes equipped with GOTO systems and CCD cameras to capture automated, hands-off images of comets.

History

The observatory was established in 2010 on the remote Tarbatness Peninsula, chosen for its dark skies and suitability for precise, automated comet observation.

Telescopes & research

Its two domes contain GOTO-mounted telescopes with CCD imaging used for cometary astrometry, allowing automated tracking and photography of comets without manual intervention.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on the Tarbatness Peninsula near Portmahomack, in Highland Scotland, a remote coastal area known for dark, unpolluted night skies.

Visiting Tarbatness Observatory

As a private research observatory, it is not generally set up for public tours. If you're interested in its work, check for any public updates from the observer or local astronomy societies before travelling.

See your named star from here

A site built for precise automated comet tracking sits under some of Scotland's darkest skies. A star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates a telescope anywhere can use to find it. See our packages or the catalogue.