Media Invitation - 'Domes of Discovery' gears up old observatory for historic telescopes openingMarch 31, 2003A huge telescope is the centerpiece of a new exhibition called 'Domes of Discovery' at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, Sussex. 'Domes of Discovery' tells the story of the world-famous Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) that was once based at Herstmonceux, and is housed in one of the former observatory's historic domes. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 12th April. The Royal Greenwich Observatory was responsible for astronomical work such as mapping star positions, monitoring solar activity and providing a national timekeeping service. The familiar 'six-pips', broadcasted by the BBC, were sent by landline from the observatory's atomic clocks. With video, working models and historic artefacts as well as words and pictures, 'Domes of Discovery' concentrates particularly on the years from the 1950s to the 1990s when the observatory was based at Herstmonceux. 'We have an unrivalled assembly of historic telescopes on this site', said Stephen Pizzey, the director. 'This exhibition will help our many visitors understand what life was like here for the astronomers who worked with them'. The exhibition is the first stage of a major refurbishment project at the Centre, funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Four telescopes housed in their own domes are currently being renovated and fitted with digital cameras. Once refurbished, the telescopes will be available for public viewing evenings and possible research use, as in the times when the RGO was based at Herstmonceux. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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