This photo is of my Dad standing in front of Herstmonceux Observatory. I often walk my dog on the fields surrounding the telescopes. We live in rural Sussex in the UK and it is really strange walking through the woods and then suddenly these telescopes appear, it's like something out of a sci-fi movie!
Interestingly, the famous Royal Greenwich Observatory was moved here after the 2nd world war because of the light and pollution in London. In 1967, the giant Isaac Newton telescope was moved to the site and was used for world class astronomical research.
For those of you who are British, the 6 beeps on the BBC news were originally broadcast from the atomic clocks at this site. Now the BBC generates them themselves.
In 1979, the Isaac Newton telescope was moved and is now in La Palma, Canary Islands, on top of an extinct volcano. About 15 years ago the observatory reopened as an educational science centre and was renovated. To me, the telescopes and site still look rather run down but I've never actually been inside.
History lesson over! Check out all the other great scenic B&Ws at I Heart Faces!
5 comments:
This shot is so amazing. I just love it.
Very cool! I enjoyed the history lesson. :) The buildings are such interesting shapes!
I love this shot and the lesson!
What what a beautiful picture! Thanks for the history lesson - it ads so much to the picture!
Tamar
Beautiful values! :)
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