The Home Astronomical Observatory Project
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How to create the next generation of scientists using Astronomy, a Norfolk comprehensive school, 21st Century technology and 19th Century inspiration

The Home Astronomical Observatory Project is designed to find a new way for school children to experience astronomy, and help stimulate a wider interest in science and technology. Some schools do have astronomy clubs and telescopes. But the British weather can play havoc with their activities. Whenever the clubs meet the clouds pile in.

The ideal resource is for each budding astronomer to have a telescope at home, and an experienced astronomer by their side whenever they need it. This is the idea behind our Home Astronomical Observatory Project which is a unique development made possible by recent advances in computer technology.

Low cost computer controlled telescopes can provide a virtual experienced astronomer by the side of a beginner. Discovery is all about succeeding and going further, and that is what these instruments allow more people to do.

The project was jointly seed-funded with £2000 from the Dereham 6th Form College and our teacher/parent group, The Friends of Neatherd High School. We started an astronomy club and bought three refractor Goto scopes, a dozen pairs of 7x50 binoculars and a computer planetarium program. Based around these telescopes, the project allows students and their families to discover the wider Universe first-hand.
Students share their discoveries and find out about new challenges at weekly meetings after school, but the main activities take place in their own back-gardens.

 Over 150 years ago, Prince Albert had a dream of bringing together the very best of the world's science, technology and arts. In 1851 it became reality under the glass skies of the Crystal Palace. The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 was set up using the profits of the Great Exhibition. Yes, unlike the Dome, it made a profit. To this day its aims are to support the cutting edge of science and technology, and its profitable exploitation by British Industry. The Commission has several granting schemes aimed at Universities and other research establishments. It also makes a very limited number of special awards each year. Due to the nature of the Commission's Charter, these are very rarely made to schools. However, in May 2002 the Commissioners generously gave our project a special award of £7000. We had the means to make the project fly.

Five 90mm computer controlled Maksutov Cassegrains, a 200mm Newtonian on a Dobsonian mount, a sophisticated digital camera,  and film cameras joined our fleet of instruments.   Most of the club's members are now able to take an instrument home every week.   They are in the process of battling up a steep learning curve but are doing so with enormous enthusiasm. Armed with a Goto scope or a pair of binoculars and a planisphere, learning the night sky is one of their first priorities.   Looking for Apollo landing sites on the Moon, finding M13 in Hercules, identifying the moons of Jupiter were amongst the early tasks. Their progress has been rapid so we are already hatching ambitious plans to provide more precision equipment and extend the challenges for our new astronomers. We also hope that the lessons learnt will help other schools to inspire future scientists by using astronomy in a similar way.  

 Astronomy is a science that always seems to appreciate its heritage. So it is particularly apt that we have embarked on a project that is practical due to the technological developments of the twenty first century and has been realised thanks to the legacy of an inspired nineteenth century prince.