The Sky at Night
The Godlee Observatory
Hidden away on the roof of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), the Godlee Observatory was constructed at a time when the Manchester Astronomical Society was first formed.
Francis Godlee
The Godlee Observatory was built in 1902, and was presented to the City of Manchester by the successful cotton trader, Francis Godlee.
Costing around ??10,000 to install, the observatory is a wonderful example of engineering with its completely timber structure supported by a cast iron frame.
The Telescope
Underneath the white dome of the observatory, which is positioned by rope and wheels, is the original Grubb telescope and refractor. This telescope has been in regular use since the observatory opened in 1902, and it revolves around a Polar Axis to follow the movements of the sky above.
The Godlee Observatory is driven by the enthusiasm of the amateurs who make up the Manchester Astronomical Society, and for those typically overcast and gloomy Manchester days, the observatory provides a stunning panoramic view of the city centre.
Submitted by: Iain Patterson, 10 March 2003
