University of Birmingham Observatory

Come along for an evening of discovery at the University of Birmingham, with talks, hands-on activities, and the chance to explore the Observatory and its telescope.

We will meet in the Poynting Physics Building on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Campus for a short talk introducing the history and use of the Observatory, starting at 6.30pm.

You will be allocated a time slot, when you will travel by minibus to the observatory (a journey of around 20 minutes) where you can explore the dome and control room and (weather permitting) use the telescope to observe for yourselves!

While waiting on campus to travel to the observatory, or after you return from your tour, you will have the opportunity try some observing from the Poynting roof (weather permitting) and hear about astrophysics research from the School of Physics and Astronomy at Birmingham, with several interactive activities inside the building.

Children are welcome to attend but should be accompanied by a responsible adult. This event will be suitable for those aged 10+.

Questions may be directed to Dr Emma Willett.

Timings

6pm: Doors open (Poynting Building)

6.30pm: Introductory talk

7–9pm: Observing from Poynting roof (weather permitting), Interactive research demos inside while you wait for your tour group

7pm–7.30pm: Group 1 travel to Observatory

7.30pm–8pm: Group 1 Observatory tour / Group 2 travel to Observatory

8-8.30pm: Group 1 travel to Campus / Group 2 Observatory tour / Group 3 travel to Observatory

8.30–9pm Group 2 travel to Campus / Group 3 Observatory tour

9–9.30pm Group 3 travel to Campus

Please note:

The evening starts at the Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT. During the evening, we will run Bus trips to the Observatory on Wast Hills Lane. Please do not travel to the Observatory.

How to get here:

Directions to the Poynting Physics Building. Use the interactive campus map here

Parking information from University of Birmingham:

Visitors are encouraged to travel to campus via public transport wherever possible. The University has a train station directly on site and excellent bus routes nearby.

Visitor parking is available in the North East Car Park Multi Storey Floors 1-5 (access via Pritchatts Road) Sat Nav Postcode B15 2SA. The Ground Floor bays are reserved exclusively for Hotel Guests only.

Please note that this car park does not have a lift. To arrange accessible parking please email once you have booked your ticket.

Chargeable Period is Mon–Sun 8am-6pm. This now includes weekends, Bank Holidays and University closed days. Parking at the University of Birmingham is free of charge after 6pm.

How Do I Pay?

Register with RingGo to pay via your credit/debit card on your mobile phone.There are payment machines available in the multi storey for those who prefer a cash option, these are located on floors 1-5.

Organised by School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham