Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory
Cambridge Road, Harlton, Cambridgeshire, CB23 1EX, East of England
The Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRAO), located near Cambridge, is one of the UK’s leading centres for radio astronomy research. Established in 1957, it was built through a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the Mullard electronics company.
The site hosts a number of pioneering radio telescopes, including the iconic One-Mile Telescope and the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager, which have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe.
Today, MRAO continues to support cutting-edge studies in cosmology, galaxies, and radio sources, while also serving as a hub for technological innovation in radio astronomy.
Weather forecast
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05/06/26
18° 5% -
05/06/26
18° 5% -
05/06/26
17° 6% -
06/06/26
14° 16%
Weather forecast for Cambridge (4.7 miles away) updated 05/06/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.
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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.
Fri 5th Jun
Sat 6th Jun
Sun 7th Jun
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Wed 10th Jun
Thu 11th Jun
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar