At the end of March several members enjoyed a special evening out at Sherwood Observatory. As well as a 24” optical telescope dome it is home to Radio Astronomy. The dedicated radio astronomy unit (a very popular part of the visit) provides information to major organisations such as the Planetary Society, NASA/IPAC with one of its current projects measuring meteors by receiving reflected signals sent from Graves France. A mix of Yagi, loop and long-wire antennas are spread around the site for all the different projects including those belonging to the international programs.
Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund and Ashfield District Council, the Society is now planning a £6M project to convert a disused Victorian reservoir to a national ‘Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium’. We saw the quality of Victorian brickwork which will contrast with the modern technology in the planned Planetarium. This will extend the current volunteer led STEM schools and groups outreach programme. A recent award of £3.1M from the governments ‘Levelling Up’ initiative leaves only another £1M to be raised. This will eventually redevelop the whole site with the aim of matching Leicester Space Centre. See https:// sherwood-observatory.org.uk.
Our thanks for the warm welcome from the volunteers of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society on the evening which was additional to their regular Open Days.