Night-time observing
Exploring planets, the Moon and deep-sky objects throughout the night sky.
THE OBSERVATORY
Billingborough Observatory
A modern amateur astronomical observatory in Lincolnshire, combining traditional visual astronomy with astrophotography, automated cameras and citizen science.
A place for observing, imaging and discovery
The observatory brings together telescopes, astronomical cameras and automated systems to explore the night sky, record what happens above Billingborough and contribute observations to wider astronomical projects.
Daytime observing
Observing and imaging the Sun and following the changing sky throughout the day.
Astrophotography
Imaging the night sky and building a growing visual record of the universe from Lincolnshire.
OBSERVING
Exploring the night sky
The observatory is used for visual astronomical observing, from the Moon and planets to deep-sky objects and the changing appearance of the night sky throughout the year.
Observing combines the simple experience of looking through a telescope with the opportunity to study astronomical objects in greater detail.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Imaging the universe
Modern astronomical cameras allow the observatory to record objects that would otherwise be difficult to see by eye. Astrophotography is an important part of the observatory's work and provides a growing visual record of the night sky from Lincolnshire.
The observatory combines telescopes, astronomical cameras and image-processing techniques to explore everything from nearby planets to distant deep-sky objects.
AUTOMATED ASTRONOMY
Watching the sky when nobody is looking
Not all astronomical observation requires someone to be sitting at the telescope. Cameras and computer-controlled systems allow the observatory to monitor the sky automatically.
Meteor detection
Automated meteor cameras record activity throughout the night and contribute observations to the Global Meteor Network.
Explore meteor detection →All-sky imaging
The all-sky camera records the changing appearance of the entire sky above Billingborough and produces images and timelapse sequences.
Explore the all-sky camera →Live cameras
Live and recorded camera views provide another way to see what is happening above the observatory.
View the live cameras →KEEP EXPLORING
There is always something happening in the sky
Explore the other parts of Billingborough Observatory, from its astronomical history to current observing conditions and the latest camera observations.
Astronomical history
Discover the story of astronomy in Billingborough and the earlier observatory of Edward Iszatt Essam.
Explore the history →Observing conditions
Check the astronomical seeing forecast before planning an observing session.
Check conditions →Learn & Explore
Learn more about the techniques, equipment and astronomical ideas behind the observatory.
Learn & explore →