Observatory, The University of St Andrews

The University Observatory in St Andrews is an unique venue which combines astronomical research, teaching, and outreach activities. All activities on the site are centred around the telescopes, which range from 6cm to 94cm in size and from 1 year to 100 years old. The observatory is a satellite of the astronomy group at the School of Physics & Astronomy in St Andrews.

The highlight of the observatory is the 54-year-old  James Gregory Telescope, at 37″, the largest operational telescope in Scotland. It is almost exclusively used for research projects, and for teaching at undergraduate and graduate level.

The Napier building houses the undergraduate student observatory, home to two Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes with 25 and 40 cm apertures. Students can receive training on these telescopes and use them on their own for astrophotography, and research. A number of smaller mobile telescopes are available. The student’s astronomical society Astro-Soc has an observing room and organises stargazing nights.

The University Observatory is also happy to arrange tours, either during daytime or at night, and school classes, scout groups, amateur astronomers, tourist groups, or students are welcome to get in touch.