We welcome school parties and interested groups for an evening's observing through the 50 cm telescope. We also have several ancillary scopes including a 25cm Meade Starfinder Dobsonian, Televue Ranger and 20x80 binoculars. The best observing conditions for the fainter deep sky objects occur a week either side of new moon, although planetary and lunar observing can generally be carried out at any time depending on their positions.
Observing sessions for school parties generally last one hour. We commence with an introductory talk, naked eye viewing of the constellations, and visual observing in the observatory through the 50cm telescope. By prior arrangement we can concentrate on selected viewing topics to get the most out of the evening. My insurance limits a maximum number of fifteen in the observatory at any one time, so for larger groups we operate a rota sytem making use of the smaller telescopes in addition.
We also welcome small family groups, clubs and societies. Scouts, Beavers, Brownies and Guides are all regular visitors.
The computer literate are welcome to bring their own 1.44 Mb floppy disks, should they wish to record their own CCD images captured through the telescope. We also have an Astrovid 2000 video camera, and are able to capture on to videotape the brighter objects such as the moon and planets.
Charges: £4.00/adult £2.00/child (Minimum charge for small groups: £10.00/person/hr)
email: for further details.
Worth Hill Observatory
Worth Matravers
Swanage, Dorset, U.K.
BH19 3LF.