Closing the Doors on a Season of Exclusive Access - 26 February 2026

This was our last Exclusive Access at the Royal Observatory Greenwich for the 2025/26 season, and the last until the ROG reopens following the First Light renovations.

So, by the light of the silvery Moon - yeah right! Of course, after a couple of clear nights we got clouded out. But this is why we make a Plan B. After all, we’re not just astronomers, we’re English astronomers 😊

Bobby began the evening by leading a tour of Flamsteed House, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral. The house’s history is enriched by the Royal Astronomers who once resided there. We stopped in notable rooms, such as the Octagon Room, where Bobby gave a brief presentation on its importance. Afterwards, we went downstairs to learn about the challenge of determining longitude at sea and how the four Harrison clocks provided a solution.

Bobby then took us over to the Meridian Building, where we learned that the first meridian at the Royal Observatory was established in 1676 by John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal. Over the years, several meridians were established at the observatory, with the final one set by Sir George Biddell Airy in 1851, which became known as the Greenwich meridian.

Afterwards, we headed up to the impressive equatorial telescope, where Les and Robert, astronomers at the Royal Observatory, welcomed us. Bobby passed the tour over to them, and they gave us a fascinating talk about the famous 28-inch telescope that everyone admires.

This marked the end of our evening.

We would like to express our genuine gratitude to Barry and Gurinder for organising these events for all members of the Flamsteed Astronomy Society. These evenings have given us memorable access to a very special place, and they simply would not happen without their dedication behind the scenes. Particular thanks go to Barry for his leadership and commitment over the years, as this was his last one - a fitting finale to a much-valued contribution.

Pictures from the evening (by Bobby Manoo, Mike Meynell and Simon Hurst):