The Thanet Observatory houses a 12" Newtonian Reflecting Telescope that was originally built in the 1950s and has been extensively renovated and modernised by the Thanet Countryside Trust.

Since opening to the public in 1999, viewings have included the moon, saturn's rings, mars, comets, eclipses and aurora.

An article on the history and construction of the Thanet Observatory can be downloaded from our articles page.

Forthcoming Programme at Monkton Observatory

Viewing Nights and Astronomy Courses
For details on booking for Viewing nights or Astronomy Courses please contact the Field Study Centre (01843 822666) or email us at contact@monkton-reserve.org

Please visit our articles page to see more about the history of the reserve and its telescope