Herschel Observatory at Prior Park College
Ralph Allen Drive , Bath, Avon, BA2 5AH, South West England
The Prior Park College Observatory is a recent (2024) addition to Bath’s storied astronomical heritage. Located at the edge of the private school’s playing fields, the observatory sits within a sleek Pulsar Dome, just under three metres in height, carefully positioned for optimal viewing.
The Observatory is 2.7m in diameter and contains a 10″ Meade LX200. As the observatory is located on the edge of a cricket pitch, it has its own movable cage and net to avoid it being a target for ambitious batsmen!
The site was selected by Simon Holbeche of Bath Astronomers, ensuring an ideal location for celestial observation. The facility not only supports the school’s science curriculum but also serves the local community, offering a range of inclusive activities and events in partnership with Bath Astronomers.
Location events organiser
Bath Astronomers organises events at this location
Please contact Bath Astronomers directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Bath Astronomers
Twitter: @BathAstronomers
Facebook: Bath Astronomers
Weather forecast
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29/04/26
19° 5% -
29/04/26
18° 5% -
29/04/26
16° 4% -
30/04/26
12° 4%
Weather forecast for Bath (1.1 miles away) updated 29/04/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.
Local light pollution
Herschel Observatory at Prior Park College 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.
Light pollution map of Herschel Observatory at Prior Park College
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.
Wed 29th Apr
Thu 30th Apr
Fri 1st May
Sat 2nd May
Sun 3rd May
Mon 4th May
Tue 5th May
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar