The Observatory was opened in 1994 and is home to a large reflecting (mirror-based) telescope, which, at nearly 19 inches across the diameter of the main mirror, is believed to be the largest of it’s kind in the north of England!

The new telescope was built in 2002 to replace a large 8 inch refracting (lens-based) telescope, with the specific intention of collecting light from very small objects in our solar system (such as comets and asteroids) and faint objects in space (such as galaxies and nebulae). The telescope is used for serious astronomical work, as well as for public viewing, and one of its main purposes is the detection of earth-crossing comets and asteroids. For example, the telescope could have detected the asteroid that some scientists believe crashed into the Earth some 65 million years ago, killing most of the dinosaurs!

The Observatory is jointly managed by the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society (CaDAS) and Stockton Borough Council, and forms the focus of Friday night public observing sessions at the park during the winter months. From September to April, after dark, on clear Friday nights, CaDAS members man the observatory and many bring along their own telescopes, eager to share their wealth of knowledge about the universe with visitors.

There is no substitute for looking through a telescope with your own eyes, but on cold and clear winter nights it’s not everyone’s idea of fun! Pictures can therefore be relayed from the main telescope onto the dome of the Planetarium where they can also be viewed indoors, in warmth and comfort.

Public observing only takes place on clear nights, so if the skies are cloudy, please do not make a special trip (unless of course you’re attending a Planetarium show), as you may be disappointed. For an up-to-date, local weather forecast, visit the planetarium website at www.wynyard-planetarium.net.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Astronomical Society, details can be obtained from the Planetarium Director on (01740) 630544, or e-mail director@wynyard-planetarium.net. Some of the many benefits available to members of the Society are the use of the large collection of astronomical books at the Planetarium and short-term loan of any of the range of telescopes housed within the Planetarium. The Astronomical Society meets once a month, on the second Friday of every month, between September and June. New members are always welcome and further details of the meetings can be found on the Planetarium website.