Heritage open days started in 1994 as part of the EU’s European Heritage Day scheme to celebrate the hidden gems of each country.
To celebrate this year’s events members of Southport Astronomical Society will be opening Hesketh Park Observatory from 10am – 1pm on Sunday the 17th September.
Come along to discover the story of the telescope, discover its users including Joseph Baxendale – Southport’s first official weather recorder and keen astronomer and his son Joseph Baxendale Jr., who was more interested in meteorology.
The telescope is an amazing piece of Victorian engineering, using clockwork and heavy weights to drive the telescope. It was built in 1869, just one year after Hesketh Park opened!
Please be advised that there are steep stairs to climb to enter the observatory.
Entry is free but donations are always welcome!
For more information about the Society, Astronomy and the observatory visit our website: https://southportastro.org/ or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.