A PG Rated Guide to the Royal Observatory and Shakespeare & Astronomy - by Ross Code and Paul Miller

We were treated to two fascinating talks by Royal Observatory Greenwich assistants Ross Code and Paul Miller.

Ross gave us an insider’s look at the chequered history of some of the more colourful “goings-on” at the Observatory over the centuries.

We travelled back to the days when the site was a castle (around 1637). Duke Humphrey was murdered there, it seems Henry VIII entertained mistresses at the location, and the grounds were occupied by Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War.

Ross shared tales of professional rivalry and intrigue. The first Astronomer Royal apparently had a strained relationship with Halley, Newton and Hooke, leading to several scientific and personal disagreements. Some astronomers, such as John Pond, were alleged to have had questionable character – Pond, for example, was said to be responsible for errors in the Nautical Almanac. There were affairs, intrigues, and various dubious liaisons over the years.

Ross emphasised that many of these stories are cloaked in the ‘mists of time’, so while the tales are entertaining, it’s difficult to say with certainty what truly happened – or when.

Paul then regaled us with a wonderfully engaging exploration of Shakespeare’s references to astronomy. Through carefully chosen quotes from the plays and sonnets, he showed how Shakespeare demonstrated a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of the heavens. Shakespeare and Kepler were contemporaries – though there is no evidence they met, Shakespeare clearly had an awareness of the astronomical developments of his time.

“I see thy glory like a shooting star Fall to the base earth from the firmament.” Richard II, Act 2, Scene 4

Paul explained how Shakespeare used astronomical metaphors to explore themes of love, power, fate and time. He also touched on Shakespeare’s understanding of celestial navigation and astrology, drawing links between planetary positions and the constellations.