Royal Observatory Edinburgh

Royal Observatory Edinburgh

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH9 3HJ

The Royal Observatory Edinburgh has a long history dating back to 1786 when the first Chair of Astronomy was established at the University. It is now one of the UK’s major centres of astronomical research.

As well as being a historic site, the Royal Observatory Edinburgh is a working observatory that houses more than 200 staff and students. It encompasses two organisations: the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC), which includes the Higgs Centre for Innovation, and the Institute for Astronomy (IfA). The UK ATC is part of UK Research and Innovation, and the IfA is part of the University of Edinburgh.

Engineers at the UK ATC design extremely sensitive cameras and other instruments for many of the world’s best telescopes and for the big telescopes of the future. They are also finding innovative ways of using this technological expertise in fields outside of astronomy, including earth observation and medicine.

The scientists’ research at the IfA tackles many of the big questions in astronomy, including the search for life-bearing planets and studying the oldest and most distant objects in our universe.

The observatory is only accessible to the public during “Astronomy for All” talks and their “Night at the Observatory” events, both of which must be booked online and in advance.


Location events organiser

Royal Observatory Edinburgh

Royal Observatory Edinburgh organises events at this location

Please contact Royal Observatory Edinburgh directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location


Weather forecast

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Weather forecast for Morningside (0.9 miles away) updated 09/07/25 at 20:00.




Events nearby

Display nearby events on a calendar
  • The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh meeting

    Friday 5th September 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    Augustine United Church Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL (1.7 miles away)

    More info
  • Tweeddale Astronomical Society meeting

    Monday 22nd September 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    St Joseph's Parish Neighbourhood Centre, Peebles, (18.6 miles away)

    More info
  • Dalgety Bay Astronomy Club Meeting

    Tuesday 23rd September 2025 from 19:45pm to 21:45pm

    The Kabin - Dalgety Bay, Dalgety Bay, KY11 9UZ (10.3 miles away)

    More info
  • The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh meeting

    Friday 3rd October 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    Augustine United Church Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL (1.7 miles away)

    More info
  • Tweeddale Astronomical Society meeting

    Monday 27th October 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    St Joseph's Parish Neighbourhood Centre, Peebles, (18.6 miles away)

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Caddon View

    14 Pirn Road, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6HH (21.5 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

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