Royal Observatory Greenwich
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About Royal Observatory Greenwich

The Greenwich Meridian Line, Longitude 0°, is the centre of world time, defined by transit instrument and line across the Royal Observatory courtyard.

Endorsed by international agreement in 1884 as the Prime Meridian of the world, it attracts visitors from around the globe to stand astride the line that divides East and West. You can see the 17th century rooms occupied by the first Astronomer Royal, the observation room with its early Tompion clocks and displays on the development of improved navigation at sea that led to Britain’s leadership in world exploration and trade for several centuries.

The most important, intricate, marine timekeepers of John Harrison, the carpenter/inventor, are all on display alongside the earliest accurate clocks used to establish Greenwich as the world standard for accurate time signals. These Greenwich clocks became the centre for sending the time signal throughout Britain and later by cable to synchronise with other nations. New galleries explore how time impacts on our daily life and the giant 28” refracting telescope can be seen.

The Peter Harrison Planetarium:

Take a journey through time and space at London’s only public planetarium. The planetarium’s visually captivating shows provide a magnificent introduction to the mysteries and wonders of the universe, with information from NASA telescopes and the latest terrestrial technology revealing the secrets of pulsars and black holes. All shows are hosted by Royal Observatory astronomers who are available to answer questions after the main programme.

All shows are suitable for children aged 7+. Secret of the Cardboard Rocket and Stargazing for Beginners are also suitable for under-5s.

Visitors can also try their hand at being an astronomer, guide a space mission or touch a meteorite which is over 4.5 billion years old at the Astronomy Galleries in the Astronomy Centre.

This content has been supplied by Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich Facilities

Opening Times 10.00 – 17.00. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Royal Observatory Greenwich Address

Address:
Greenwich Park
Greenwich
London
SE10 9NF
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8312 6565
Email:
Website: http://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

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Prices for Royal Observatory Greenwich

Adult Ticket: Up to £10.00 (CAD0.00)  per ticket
Child Ticket: Free (CAD0.00)  per ticket
Concession Ticket: Up to £7.50 (CAD0.00)  per ticket

Admission to the Royal Observatory’s historic Flamsteed House, Time Galleries, Meridian Line Courtyard and Meridian Building is £10 for adults (£7.50 concessions). Entry for children under 16 is free. The £10 entry is an annual pass (visitors are able to return as many times as they like within 12 months for no additional charge). Admission to the Royal Observatory’s Astronomy Centre which houses three state-of-the-art modern astronomy galleries is free.

Planetarium tickets prices: £6.50 adults, £4.50 children and concessions, £17.50 family ticket.

This content has been supplied by Royal Observatory Greenwich

Location Information for Royal Observatory Greenwich

Address:
Greenwich Park
Greenwich
London
SE10 9NF
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8312 6565
Email:
Website: http://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Public transport: DLR – Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich* By boat – from most central London piers)* Bus 53 from Oxford Circus stops at park gates. * 15 minute walk through park to Observatory.

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Events at Royal Observatory Greenwich

  • An Evening With The Stars: Mothers Day Special at Royal Observatory Greenwich

    Special Event

    18 Mar 2012

    For a truly unique experience, book a place on a unique observing session. The programme includes a planetarium show, some time on the prime meridian with a hot drink and astronomers to hand, and a chance to look through our 18-tonne Victorian telescope, at whatever the night sky has to offer. Our Mother’s Day programme is delivered exclusively by female astronomers and members of staff.

  • An Evening With The Stars: Valentine's Day Special at Royal Observatory Greenwich

    Special Event

    14 Feb 2012

    A unique observing session. The programme includes a planetarium show, some time on the prime meridian with a glass of bubbly and astronomers to hand, and a chance to look through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope.

  • Arctic Convoys at Royal Observatory Greenwich

    Special Event

    21 Oct 2011 to 28 Feb 2012

    August 2011 marked the 70th anniversary of the first Arctic convoy to Russia. This gruelling campaign, which was to last until the end of the Second World War, required remarkable endurance on the part of the men involved. Employing a range of objects from its collections, the National Maritime Museum looks at the experiences of these men.

  • Astronomy Galleries at Royal Observatory Greenwich

    Tour

    Recurring event

    Unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and find out how stars and planets are born.

All 18 events at this venue
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