Observatory and Planetarium
Bedford School has the largest school Observatory in the South-East region and is currently the only school in the UK to have its own Observatory and Planetarium.
Sited on the school estate, the observatory and planetarium are operated by the school’s Astronomer in conjunction with members of the Bedford Astronomical Society and are available for use by schools and interested groups.
The Piazzi Smyth Observatory
The Piazzi Smyth Observatory was opened in October 2000 and provides an important resource in the teaching and public understanding of Astronomy. The Observatory was named in honour of Charles Piazzi Smyth (OB) who was Astronomer Royal for Scotland for many years and a pioneer of high altitude observing.
The main 5m dome houses a Meade LX 200 16″ computer controlled telescope which gives stunning views of the Moon, Planets and Deep Sky Objects. Several portable telescopes ranging from 6″ to 13″ diameter are also used from the outside observation deck.
The Wolfson Planetarium
The adjacent Wolfson Planetarium, opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in May 2002, houses a 4-metre dome and star projector.
The Planetarium acts as a valuable resource room and is available for use by schools and community groups for meetings, slide shows and projected views of the night sky.
Arrange a Visit
If you would like to arrange a visit to the observatory, please email Mr Linton Guise, at observatory@bedfordschool.org.uk.
Astronomy Courses
We also run a series of short courses in Astronomy at the Observatory and Planetarium.
Observatory Visit FAQs
We hope the weather will be clear on the evening of your visit; we can still function with clear gaps between the clouds. If the sky is completely covered we will give a planetarium show and presentation in our adjacent resource room.
If the sky is clear two or three demonstrators will be present and initially the party will be split into smaller groups who will use each of the instruments in turn. Our demonstrators are enthusiastic members of the local Astronomical Society who are very generous in giving of their free time to share their interest with new observers. Visiting leaders and teachers are asked to ensure that they retain responsibility for the behaviour of their group. After observing there will be a short Planetarium show to consolidate what has been seen.
If the sky is cloudy we start with a Planetarium show and hope for a clear patch later. If not the telescopes etc will be demonstrated, and 1hour 15mins still passes very quickly.
Visits for junior groups last 1 hour 15 minutes with an option to extend a little if the sky is clear.Adult groups tend to spend 1 hour 30 minutes with us.
The maximum number that can attend a session is 19 (to include teachers or leaders).This prevents too much time waiting for instruments and suits the seating in the Planetarium.
We suggest nine years is the minimum age for children in a mixed group. Parents must remember that a Planetarium show takes place in complete darkness, which some young children may find difficult to cope with and this can be distracting for other members of the group.
Observatories are by necessity very cold in winter as heating introduces thermal currents which reduce visible detail. Part of your visit will also take place outside using portable telescopes. It is important to make certain that all members of your group understand that they must dress well with many layers, hats, gloves etc. If not prepared visitors can get very cold on a frosty night!
Please do not bring bags etc into the dome as they can cause a trip hazard in the dark.
Food and drink are also banned as sticky fingers and telescope eyepieces do not mix!
No smoking or alcohol is permitted on the school estate.
There is no charge for groups visiting the Observatory, but once a booking has been made we ask for at least one week’s notice if you do not intend to visit so the date can be offered to other groups.
The Observatory typically operates during term time from mid-September to mid-April in the evenings. Exact start times can be tailored to your group. November to March is very popular with younger groups and sessions will need to be booked well in advance.
Entry to the Observatory is from Pemberley Avenue next to Phillpotts Boarding House. Please use the postcode MK40 2LD for sat nav.
Vehicles should be parked on Pemberley Avenue and we will meet you at the Observatory gate.
Please do not walk over the playing fields from the school, as they can be very muddy in winter and covered with grass clippings in summer.
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