Sherwood Observatory’s fascinating newspaper ad origin: Ashfield's £6.5m planetarium opens
“It’s very rare nationally to have a planetarium and an active observatory together in one place.”
Those of the words of Dr Steve Wallace, chairman of the Sherwood Observatory and project manager on the planetarium works, as we take a look at the incredible history behind this unique and educational site.
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The humble beginnings of Sherwood Observatory
The Sherwood Observatory all being in 1969 when David Collins placed an advert in The Chad, the local newspaper to find other people with an interest in astronomy.
William Henshaw, Gordon Jones, and others replied, and the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society was established, with the society’s inaugural meeting on the premises of S.A.Monks Ltd on Mansfield Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The Society’s ambition was clear from the start, as the idea to build an observatory was quickly raised. The initial design comprised a 24” reflecting telescope with an electrically rotating dome, a lecture room for 50 members and other facilities on the site at Coxmoor Road, one of the highest points in Nottinghamshire.
After breaking turf in 1972 the building began to take shape, finally opening to members in 1986.
Society volunteers played host to many school, Girlguiding and Scout Association groups, receiving over 2,000 visitors every year.
Now renamed ‘Sherwood Observatory’, the charity has ambitious plans for the new venue, and look forward to welcoming even more groups, families and individuals to share our passion for astronomy.
The new Planetarium
The major £6.5m project to add a planetarium to the Sherwood Observatory are now complete - and tickets are available to book from today.
Visitors will be able to experience a stunning journey through the stars at the new facility, reportedly the first new planetarium in the UK for over a decade.
Work began after Ashfield District Council, in which the existing Sherwood Observatory lies, approved the final plans in March last year.
The project, led jointly by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and Ashfield District Council, has involved the redevelopment of a former underground Victorian reservoir on Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
It has been partly funded by £3.1 million of Levelling Up Fund money. Dr Steve Wallace, chairman of the Sherwood Observatory and project manager on the planetarium works, said: “We’ve been on a long journey and it’s really great to see it coming together now. We’re really excited about it.
“It’s very rare nationally to have a planetarium and an active observatory together in one place.”
The old reservoir building is being converted to include a new exhibition space on the ground floor and the planetarium which is being built on top.
Visitors to the new planetarium and exhibition space will be able to experience spectacular space shows in a 59-seater dome with a 10m 4K screen. Anyone wishing to visit will need to book in advance.
The prized possession of the society is the hand-built 24 inch Newtonian Reflecting Telescope, which affords stunning views of the Nottinghamshire night skies.
The centre runs school trips, group visits, astronomy courses, and one-off events throughout the year. Book here: https://sherwood-observatory.org.uk
Planetarium shows
Immerse yourself in the wonders of space with the specially designed Planetarium shows that bring the skies to life while your feet are firmly grounded on planet Earth.
Each show will be followed by a talk led by a presenter and will cover a current astronomy or space topic such as ‘what’s in the night sky this month’ and an opportunity to ask any questions.