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Observatory experience
Davegtst - 14/11/13 at 11:22 AM

I'm trying to think of a present for the missus for her birthday and usually try and get her some kind of trip or experience. She loves the Brian Cox astronomy programs so I was thinking of some kind of observatory experience, if they exist. Anyone able to recommend anything?

PSpirine - 14/11/13 at 11:32 AM

I've not been personally but this is meant to be an interesting visit:

http://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory/

Definitely do the planetarium, there aren't many of them around here, and from the couple I've been to abroad, they're pretty cool!

iank - 14/11/13 at 11:48 AM

Maybe too far, but http://kielderobservatory.org/ is good.

wicket - 14/11/13 at 12:22 PM

Not a million miles from you and definitely worth a visit.

http://www.the-observatory.org/

jps - 14/11/13 at 02:15 PM

Haven't been - but there's a big radio telescope just south of Manchester - in the Cheshire gap - might be worth a look?

DanG - 14/11/13 at 02:37 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jps
Haven't been - but there's a big radio telescope just south of Manchester - in the Cheshire gap - might be worth a look?


Think you will mean:

Jodrell Bank

Davegtst - 14/11/13 at 02:40 PM

Ideally I'm after quite a personal type of visit. I don't mind paying whatever it costs but I really want something a bit more special than just the regular guided tours.

turnipfarmer - 14/11/13 at 03:14 PM

And after the visit (whatever it is) if she's still keen, why not buy her a telescope?

A proper one, though - not the Argos type of thing.

jps - 14/11/13 at 04:18 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DanG
quote:
Originally posted by jps
Haven't been - but there's a big radio telescope just south of Manchester - in the Cheshire gap - might be worth a look?


Think you will mean:

Jodrell Bank


That's the one! Had forgotten the name of it

PSpirine - 14/11/13 at 04:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Davegtst
Ideally I'm after quite a personal type of visit. I don't mind paying whatever it costs but I really want something a bit more special than just the regular guided tours.


Find out who works at them, and ping them a polite email. In my experience most science-y people are pretty passionate about what they do and would be more than happy to show you some cool stuff!

big-vee-twin - 14/11/13 at 07:51 PM

I went to the BBC stargazing live at Cambridge university last year, they allowed the use of their big telescopes as well as small ones. Also had lectures on supa-nova etc great night.
.
Look it up on the net you will find an event near you I'm sure