You might not think of Manchester when it comes to stargazing, but the city has been a hub for astronomical research for over 100 years, and there’s an observatory to prove it. Known as Godlee Observatory, the Manchester landmark has stood the test of time, and yet, many people don’t even know it’s there.
Hidden in plain sight, you’ll find Godlee Observatory poking its white domed roof out of the top of the Sackville Street Building, part of the University of Manchester and operated by the Manchester Astronomical Society. Although no match to the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, the Manchester observatory boasts two telescopes – a Newtonian telescope and a refracting telescope – which have helped play an important role in the history of space exploration. Plus, to reach Godlee Observatory is no mean feat, as astronomers must climb a spiral staircase from the Edwardian era before entering through a trap door.
The history of Godlee Observatory
Godlee Observatory was donated to the University of Manchester by businessman and philanthropist Francis Godlee back in 1902. Situated atop the Gothic, red brick building opposite Sackville Gardens in Manchester’s Gay Village, this small, stargazing station has quite a legacy.
Despite its size, Godlee Observatory was able to assist in the American moon landing in 1969. According to the University of Manchester, the Manchester Astronomical Society kept a close eye on the moon during the lead-up to the Apollo 11 lunar landing and noticed that a potentially dangerous crater appeared to be gleaming brightly. The Manchester astronomers sent a telegram to NASA who forwarded the message to the Apollo 11 crew, who confirmed they could also see the unusual illumination.
But it’s not just the moon that astronomers can see with the telescopes at Godlee Observatory; they can also view much further afield, including all the planets in the Solar System – including Pluto, whether you count it as a planet or not.
The observatory has survived the test of time
What sets Godlee Observatory in Manchester apart from other observatories is the materials it is made from. Mainly constructed of wood, and the dome ceiling panels simply made of papier-mâché, it’s impressive how the observatory has remained intact for a considerable amount of time.
However, the wet Manchester climate is not the only thing that Godlee Observatory has had to weather through, but also neglect and war. Even with its simple construction, the stargazing spot managed to survive the German Blitz that damaged or destroyed many nearby buildings in Manchester. You could say the observatory has some true Northern grit.
Is the observatory open to the public?
Unfortunately, the observatory is temporarily closed to the public.
📍Godlee Observatory, Sackville Street Building, The University of Manchester, 60 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WE.
