The Royal Observatory South Building

Location: 
Astronomy Centre, Royal Observatory South Building (download floor plan).

Times and admission:
Open daily 10.00–17.00; admission free.

The galleries

• The oldest thing you'll ever touch – a 4.5 billion year-old meteorite
• Watch how the universe was formed – from Big Bang to now in 4 minutes
• Get answers to the big questions from our on-screen experts
• Guide a space mission
• Try your hand at being an astronomer

Interactive table-top in Astronomy QuestionsIf you have ever wondered how stars and planets are born, what astronomers do during the daytime or even about our place in the universe, the interactive Weller Astronomy Galleries will help you unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.

'Anvilled Stars'

See if you can find six meteoritic mirrors scattered throughout the Astronomy galleries, on display next to objects and instruments that have played a key role in our study of the Universe. Artist Matthew Luck Galpin has heated, hammered ground and polished actual meteorites into these 'Anvilled Stars'. The meteorites he has used crashed into the northern Argentinian desert 4000-6000 years ago, and are thought to be more than 4.5 billion years old.

Astronomy Inspires gallery

19th-century orrery in Astronomy InspiresSee how the universe expanded from the smallest and how our solar system was formed.

The Astronomy Inspires gallery showcases an orrery from the 19th century which demonstrates the motion of the planets. Alongside is a state-of-the-art projection wall showing the how the Universe formed: from the Big Bang to now in 4 minutes!

Astronomy Explores gallery

An interactive in Astronomy ExploresFind out how to use different techniques to explore the Universe. Try your hand at guiding a space mission – you make the decisions about what to take and how to get there: will you have what it takes to lead a successful mission?

Astronomy Questions gallery

Use the interactive table-top to pick out questions about space and hear our experts give you answers to the big questions, including 'What is dark matter?'.

Events at the Observatory

Viewing sunspots in the Royal Observatory courtyard See listing of all current and upcoming events at the Observatory, including planetarium shows, observing evenings and guided tours.

Online astronomy resources

• Astronomy Frequently Asked Questions
• Astronomy fact files
• GCSE Astronomy course notes
• Stellar evolution