Visit to the Sherwood Observatory and Planetarium
In late October a group of twenty-two ‘Grumpies’ were allowed out later than usual to visit the new Planetarium at Coxmoor Road, Sutton in Ashfield. In 1969 an advert in the Mansfield Chad brought together a group interested in astronomy and a few years later an observatory, with a 24” reflecting telescope was constructed on the present site. The planetarium and science centre itself is a much newer addition, opening in November 2024 after being funded by the local council and the Levelling Up Fund, to the tune of £5.3 million. The planetarium is built on top of a disused Victorian reservoir next to the original observatory.
Our first stop was to view the moon through the main telescope – it was almost within touching distance! It’s an impressive building and piece of kit, built and maintained by volunteers. Indeed, the whole enterprise is staffed by volunteers who give freely of their time to explain their interest and enthusiasm for studying the night sky to less educated folks, like the Grumpies.
Next stop was the planetarium for a film show about the amazing sights to be seen through telescopes and from space exploration. An overhead half-dome screen 30’+ across immerses the viewer in space. Added to very comfy tilting chairs the whole experience is quite awe inspiring and calming. So much so that the Grumpies set a record for having a whole row of viewers fast asleep!
Sherwood is the first observatory to be built for ten years in this country and one of very few with public access. It is an amazing asset to have on our doorstep, and a visit is highly recommended.
Thanks go to John Berrill for organising.
Bob McEwen