Heritage - 2000 Annual Report of Historic Buildings

Stargazing - 3

Barry Bellinger tells the story of Patrick Alexander and the Aldershot Observatory.

The most notable claim of the Aldershot Observatory was an important event in astronomical history, the telescope was used to discover one of the 'white spots' on Saturn, by an amateur astronomer, John Pettley in 1933. He was one of a few civilians who had access to the observatory. Several articles appeared in the 'English Mechanic' mentioning the telescope and this event.

Local amateur astronomers and societies once used the observatory. But later authorised access was restricted to daytime only, and obstruction by overgrown trees, reducing clear views of the night sky, and light pollution, saw a decline in it's use for years to come.

In 1998 a local amateur astronomer rediscovered the observatory, after it had been standing in isolation for a number years. Work was started on cleaning the inside of the observatory, by which time the floor had become covered in years of layers of dust and dead leaves. The telescope itself was still in working condition once thick layers of dust and dirt were removed. Letters written before 1958 indicated that the lens cell had minor damage to it's surface and should be removed for repair.

In July 1999, through the support of the Army, DE and GSM in particular, 4th Div HQ gave permission for the removal of the lens cell to be refurbished. The lens cell was sent to Sinden Optical who has a lifetime experience in Grubb optics around the world, having once been their senior optical engineer.

By April 2000 the lens cell was replaced and the telescope put back in operational condition. The surrounding trees, which for years obstructed views from the observatory, have now been removed, and hopefully in the near future, the streetlights will also be reduced to a lower height and be shielded.

On 6 May 2000 Aldershot had it's first astronomical event, where the Aldershot Observatory was opened to the public for the first time in it's known history. The response was most inspiring, with considerable public interest in it's future.