Wast Hills Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Wast Hills Observatory is the teaching and research observatory of the University of Birmingham, set in Kings Norton on the edge of the city.
About Wast Hills Observatory
Established in 1982, the observatory was created primarily as a teaching laboratory for the university's Physics with Astrophysics BSc and MSci degree courses. Since then it has grown into a dedicated training and research facility for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
History
In the decades since its 1982 founding, Wast Hills has remained closely tied to the University of Birmingham's physics department, supporting practical astrophysics education for successive generations of students.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located in Kings Norton, Birmingham, England, around 8 kilometres from the University of Birmingham's main campus, placing it a short trip from the city centre.
Visiting Wast Hills Observatory
As a university teaching facility, access is generally arranged through the University of Birmingham's physics department rather than as a standard public attraction. Check with the university for any open events before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
A facility built to train astrophysicists is a fitting place to think about the coordinates behind a named star. Explore our naming packages or browse the star catalogue to pick a star of your own.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
