Latest news with #PrimeMeridian
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Royal Observatory Greenwich plans major redevelopment to mark 350th anniversary
The Royal Observatory Greenwich—the birthplace of modern astronomy—is preparing for an exciting transformation. The Observatory is marking its 350th anniversary with a major redevelopment project designed to improve public access and reimagine how it tells the story of time and space. The view of the new event space. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) Known globally as the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time, the observatory was established in June 1675 by King Charles II to advance navigation and astronomy. Paddy Rodgers, chief executive of Royal Museums Greenwich, said: "Founded 350 years ago, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is Britain's oldest purpose-built scientific institution. "It is the birthplace of modern astronomy and the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. "Through this project we aim to inspire new audiences and advance our remit as a place for the public understanding of astronomy as decreed by our Royal Warrant. "The Royal Observatory has long been a place of curiosity, meticulous observation and creative thinking. "This encapsulates the spirit of this project." The existing site of the Royal Observatory. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) The view of the Great Equatorial Telescope Building and its new stair with café pavilion. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) The first building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was constructed that same year. Over the centuries, the site has expanded with new buildings and technologies. Now, with planning permission and listed building consent secured from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a new phase of development is set to begin. Jamie Fobert Architects, appointed in 2022 following a public competition, will lead the design. Proposed plan for the Royal Observatory. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) Section through the Great Equatorial Telescope building with new access stair. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) Their plans include a new entry pavilion, garden walk, improved accessibility, refreshed galleries, and updated event, retail, and café spaces. Jamie Fobert, architect, said: "It is a great privilege to be tasked with considering how best to add to the Royal Observatory Greenwich site. "Fascinated by the sextants, the telescopes, and other objects in the collection and how their makers, in the 18th century and 19th century, blended functionality with aesthetics, we conceived of the new building elements as 'instruments of navigation' to guide the visitor around the site. "Unique to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, we are creating a memorable set of pavilions and stairs in bronze, which test the boundaries of what an astronomical language of architecture can be." Read more I travelled on the iconic British Pullman train where I had to solve a murder mystery 6 things you need to know ahead of Lana Del Rey at Wembley Stadium The 6 beers that are good for your health (and the ones to avoid) The design aims to improve the visitor journey while respecting the historical significance of the site. The project also includes a new landscape scheme led by FFLO. James Fox, landscape designer at FFLO, said: "The Royal Observatory was a place where people lived and worked and studied. "In this project we are bringing gardens back to the Royal Observatory, giving order to the journey through it, softly framing the buildings here, and bringing comfort, nature, and delight to the visitors who will explore the reinvigorated site in two years' time, wondering at science in nature."
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- Science
- Rhyl Journal
New stamps to celebrate the Royal Observatory
Featured on the main set of six stamps are the Airy Transit Circle Telescope; Flamsteed House; the Great Equatorial Telescope, the largest refracting telescope in the UK; the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope; the Prime Meridian; and the Shepherd Gate Clock. A further four stamps honour prize-winning clockmaker John Harrison and his marine timekeepers, ahead of the 250th anniversary of his death in 2026, showcasing each of his prototypes for measuring longitude at sea. The stamp images narrate the story of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London and its role in the history of astronomy, timekeeping, and navigation. David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: 'We are proud to honour the Royal Observatory's 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe and its pivotal role in shaping modern science and navigation.' Dr Louise Devoy, senior curator of Royal Observatory, said: 'We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail to celebrate six key moments in the 350-year history of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the groundbreaking timekeepers by John Harrison, which still call the Royal Observatory home.' The stamps and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today ahead of the stamps going on general sale from June 12.
STV News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
New stamps to celebrate the Royal Observatory
Royal Mail has released images of ten stamps being issued to celebrate the Royal Observatory's foundation in 1675. Featured on the main set of six stamps are the Airy Transit Circle Telescope; Flamsteed House; the Great Equatorial Telescope, the largest refracting telescope in the UK; the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope; the Prime Meridian; and the Shepherd Gate Clock. PA Media The stamps celebrate the observatory's works over the centuries (Handout/PA) PA Media A further four stamps honour prize-winning clockmaker John Harrison and his marine timekeepers, ahead of the 250th anniversary of his death in 2026, showcasing each of his prototypes for measuring longitude at sea. The stamp images narrate the story of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London and its role in the history of astronomy, timekeeping, and navigation. PA Media The Observatory's role in the history of timekeeping and observation is celebrated (Handout/PA). PA Media David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: 'We are proud to honour the Royal Observatory's 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe and its pivotal role in shaping modern science and navigation.' Dr Louise Devoy, senior curator of Royal Observatory, said: 'We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail to celebrate six key moments in the 350-year history of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the groundbreaking timekeepers by John Harrison, which still call the Royal Observatory home.' PA Media The general sale begins June 12 (Handout/PA). PA Media The stamps and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today ahead of the stamps going on general sale from June 12. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
New stamps to celebrate the Royal Observatory
Featured on the main set of six stamps are the Airy Transit Circle Telescope; Flamsteed House; the Great Equatorial Telescope, the largest refracting telescope in the UK; the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope; the Prime Meridian; and the Shepherd Gate Clock. The stamps celebrate the observatory's works over the centuries (Handout/PA) A further four stamps honour prize-winning clockmaker John Harrison and his marine timekeepers, ahead of the 250th anniversary of his death in 2026, showcasing each of his prototypes for measuring longitude at sea. The stamp images narrate the story of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London and its role in the history of astronomy, timekeeping, and navigation. The Observatory's role in the history of timekeeping and observation is celebrated (Handout/PA) David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: 'We are proud to honour the Royal Observatory's 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe and its pivotal role in shaping modern science and navigation.' Dr Louise Devoy, senior curator of Royal Observatory, said: 'We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail to celebrate six key moments in the 350-year history of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the groundbreaking timekeepers by John Harrison, which still call the Royal Observatory home.' The general sale begins June 12 (Handout/PA) The stamps and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today ahead of the stamps going on general sale from June 12.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New stamps to celebrate the Royal Observatory
Royal Mail has released images of 10 stamps being issued to celebrate the Royal Observatory's foundation in 1675. Featured on the main set of six stamps are the Airy Transit Circle Telescope; Flamsteed House; the Great Equatorial Telescope, the largest refracting telescope in the UK; the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope; the Prime Meridian; and the Shepherd Gate Clock. A further four stamps honour prize-winning clockmaker John Harrison and his marine timekeepers, ahead of the 250th anniversary of his death in 2026, showcasing each of his prototypes for measuring longitude at sea. The stamp images narrate the story of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London and its role in the history of astronomy, timekeeping, and navigation. David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: 'We are proud to honour the Royal Observatory's 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe and its pivotal role in shaping modern science and navigation.' Dr Louise Devoy, senior curator of Royal Observatory, said: 'We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail to celebrate six key moments in the 350-year history of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the groundbreaking timekeepers by John Harrison, which still call the Royal Observatory home.' The stamps and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today ahead of the stamps going on general sale from June 12.
