Astronomers get permission for mini-observatory
The Shropshire Astronomical Society has received planning permission to install a mini-observatory at Rodington Village Hall, where the group has been based for 25 years. The facility is intended to make astronomy more accessible and support community outreach and education.
The society plans to move a disused dome and telescope from the former Tern Hill army base, after agreeing to buy them in May. The fibreglass dome will stand just under 2.7 metres tall; planners said it would add visual interest and would not cause unacceptable disturbance or significantly increase traffic or parking demand. The group says it will be the county’s only publicly accessible observatory.
- Amateur astronomers win permission for a village hall observatory.
- The dome and telescope will come from Tern Hill army base.
- The society hopes to expand public access and outreach.
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An observatory is a place equipped for viewing the sky, often with a telescope protected by a dome. Local astronomy societies bring together people interested in observing stars and planets, and may also offer public events or learning activities.
The Shropshire Astronomical Society has met at Rodington Village Hall for 25 years. It plans to reuse a dome and telescope from a former army base, creating a facility for community outreach and education; the group says it would be the only observatory in the county open to the public.