Your support has transformed the Royal Observatory into a working observatory, sixty years after research grade telescopes were removed from the site. Our new telescope, the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope (AMAT) can capture images of the stars, nebula and planets, and help us further our knowledge of the universe. The telescope was purchased with funds from our 2017 Members and Patrons appeal, which raised over £170,000, which was used not only to purchase the telescope but to restore the grade II Altazimuth Pavilion, where the telescope is now housed.

Not only will AMAT be used in scientific research, it is also used for educational outreach, and to inspire the next generation of astronomers.

Your support also helps us to fund our research fellowships, supporting research on our collection, maritime and naval history and the history of astronomical and navigational sciences.

Funding also means that we are able to offer free online resources. We have recently launched a free online course on the impact of James Cook’s voyages to the Pacific and the legacies of imperialism in the Pacific today, which will be available to people all over the world. The Royal Observatory also offers a free online course for primary educators, ‘Our Solar System and Beyond: Teaching Primary Science’ which has reached over 2,700 people across the world.

With help from you we can ensure that we remain a world class centre of research and education.