Join the Battle to Preserve History: Saving the Iconic Royal Observatory Greenwich!

In East Sussex, near the quaint village of Herstmonceux, lies a significant piece of astronomical history: the Royal Greenwich Observatory. Originally established in Greenwich, London, in 1675, this observatory aimed to help sailors navigate by creating star charts and accurate timepieces. In 1884, its extensive charts were used to define the prime meridian, the earth’s zero degrees longitude, which you can still visit today in Greenwich.

However, by the 1930s, London’s growing pollution made it hard for astronomers to do their work. Smog and light pollution hampered their ability to observe the stars. To solve this, plans were made to move the observatory to cleaner skies in Herstmonceux. This move happened after World War II, from 1947 to 1958, when an area with less light and pollution was chosen as the new home for the observatory.

After relocating and being renamed the Royal Greenwich Observatory, researchers began to explore the universe using advanced telescopes. At its height, the observatory employed about 200 people, focusing on astrophysics and the study of celestial bodies.

One of the standout pieces of equipment at the observatory was the Isaac Newton Telescope, built in 1967 with a mirror measuring 98 inches across. At the time, this was the third-largest telescope in the world. However, as nearby towns expanded, the once dark skies became increasingly light-polluted, affecting astronomical observations. In 1984, the Isaac Newton Telescope was moved to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, renowned for its clear skies.

In the years following the telescope’s move, the Royal Greenwich Observatory site fell into disrepair, and its historical significance was at risk of being forgotten. Fortunately, in 1995, a charity called Science Projects took over the site, restoring the buildings and telescopes using funds from the National Heritage Lottery. Today, the site is known as the Observatory Science Centre, which features interactive exhibits and attracts over 60,000 visitors annually.

Recently, the future of this historic site has come under threat. The Observatory Science Centre, which has been operational since 1995, faces eviction due to landowner decisions. This has sparked outrage among the local community, with a petition garnering over 12,000 signatures to protect the observatory. People are concerned not just about losing a significant part of astronomy history but also about the cultural and educational impact on the community.

Currently, it’s unclear what the future holds for the observatory and its iconic telescopes. The landowners, Queen’s University in Canada, have made limited statements regarding their plans. However, they have expressed a commitment to honoring the observatory’s legacy. As the situation develops, many in the community are anxiously waiting to see what will become of this important site.

For more insights into this ongoing story, check out [Queen’s University](https://www.queensu.ca/badercollege/bader-college-queens-committed-upholding-observatory-sites-legacy), which remains a key player in determining the future of the observatory. The preservation of such historical landmarks reminds us of the importance of scientific discovery and the stories they hold.

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