As of February 2020 the Milner K Ford Observatory sadly closed its observatory dome doors for the last time and was decommissioned, the ageing building becoming difficult and expensive to maintain despite the heroic efforts of the volunteer astronomers who worked there.
The facility was opened in 1969 following a huge community effort and welcomed thousands of visitors over its 50 years of operation.
If you’d like to read more about the history of the facility please see this article on Batley & Spenborough Astronomical Society’s website.
Location events organiser
Batley & Spenborough Astronomical Society organises events at this location
Please contact Batley & Spenborough Astronomical Society directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Batley & Spenborough Astronomical Society
Weather forecast
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16/01/25
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16/01/25
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17/01/25
3° 1% -
17/01/25
4° 10%
Weather forecast for Birstall Smithies (0.7 miles away) updated 16/01/25 at 04:01.
Local light pollution
Milner K Ford Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to an urban location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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Urban
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Suburban
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Semi-rural
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Rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Thu 16th Jan
Fri 17th Jan
Sat 18th Jan
Sun 19th Jan
Mon 20th Jan
Tue 21st Jan
Wed 22nd Jan
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.