About the Friends
The ‘Barclay Equatorial 10” Cooke (1860) telescope’ installed in the Blackett Observatory in the grounds of Marlborough College and belonging to the school, is the largest telescope in Wiltshire and one of the largest refracting telescopes in the country in full use. After expensive restoration and fitting of a computer drive, which was completed in 2002, it gives astounding views of the Moon, planets (including Uranus and Neptune), star clusters and nebulae.
- 96% Full Moon
- Jupiter with Ganymede in Transit
The telescope has also been equipped with white light and hydrogen alpha solar filters to allow daytime observation of the Sun. Sunspots and solar flares/prominences may now be studied and of course transits observed.
- Transit of Mercury (11-11-2019)
- Solar Prominences in Hydrogen Alpha
The Council of Marlborough College decided in 2003 to make this stunning facility accessible to those outside the College who might be interested in Astronomy. By becoming a ‘Friend of the Marlborough Telescope’ you will receive a Diary of planned observing events* to attend through the year (including Solar observations by day), you will also be invited to attend extra observation events as and when they occur, finally, you will be able to join the Friends WhatsApp group for regular updates and chat. There will also be regular lectures, which you will be able to attend in the College, on matters of astronomical interest given by qualified astronomers.
* In view of the vagaries of the English weather, observations though scheduled may be subject to alteration. Cancellation or confirmation of arrangements will be displayed on this website and sent by e-mail (if supplied) on the day.
Friends Resources
Click on a button to access the various resources available to Friends of the Marlborough Telescope:
Become A Friend DIARY OF EVENTS Observing List
For more information please email the Observatory Director, G. James, at gkwj@marlboroughcollege.org