The Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

Pinterest Graphics: London Series_ Greenwich The Royal Observatory & the Planetarium (1)

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium sits on Greenwich Hill overlooking Greenwich Park in Greenwich. When one thinks of the town Greenwich, one can immediately relate the town to GMT, the Greenwich Mean Time, the Prime Meridian of the world, where zero- degree longitude is marked – Yes! it is the home where time begins and ends, where east meets west!

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Why is Greenwich important to me

Greenwich is important to me because of the simple memories I have treasured during my visits there with my children.

Where better a place is there than Greenwich itself for a day visit to discover the practicalities of accurate time and time distribution in everyday life with my young children many years ago.

Time, the most precious commodity in life, is the Only commodity that we own according to Baltasar Gracian who once said:

“All that really belong to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that.”

Thus, a visit in the present to the Royal Observatory brings me back to my early ‘Mum’ days when I took my little ones to teach them about Time and where it all began!

Memories aside, the Royal Observatory at Greenwich Park is a welcoming attraction at any day for both young and old. The Home of Astronomy and the Greenwich Mean Time offers so many activities that it will have your attention right from the moment you arrive at the gates. At the gates of the Royal Observatory, you will find the famous clock, Shepherd Clock. There are further highlights which, if you are here, you simply must make time to experience them.

8 Highlights at The Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

The following are the highlights which should not be missed.

1 | Shepherd Clock at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium

Although the concept of time and time-scale was conceived throughout many centuries, the practicality and technical ability to distribute accurate time into everyday life did not become possible until 1847 when this famous clock, became the first clock to ever to show GMT to the public.

Shepherd Clock The Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich London | timelesstravelsteps.com — ^{The Shepherd Clock at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich | Image: georgina_daniel}

shepherd clock at the royal observatory and planetarium greenwich london — ^{closer look at the Shepherd Clock | Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich, London | Image: georgina_daniel}

The unique feature of this famous Shepherd Clock is in the original slave dial. You will note that while the minute and seconds hand are conventional, the hour hand goes around the dial once in 24-hours, so at midday, the minute hand points to the top but the hour hand points to the bottom! Have I confused you yet? 😊

2 | Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

The Prime Meridian at the Meridian Courtyard in Greenwich - shows the exact distance to a destination. Royal Observatory and Planetarium — ^{The Prime Meridian at the Meridian Courtyard in Greenwich – shows the exact distance to a destination.}

Besides the Shepherd Clock, the Prime Meridian of the World passes through here, marking the divide between the Eastern and the Western hemisphere. You can find this in the Meridian Courtyard.

The Meridian Line is one of my kids favourite. I have watched their little theatrics as they competed in trying to find the locations of Cities and discover how far exactly in distance they stood! They have stood astride the Prime Meridian, as if playing hopscotch, with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and the other foot in the western hemisphere. It was fun watching them 😊

3 | Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

More importantly, of course, the Royal Observatory was created in the 1670s spurred on by King Charles II who wanted better navigation system for seamen and traders. He asked Sir Christopher Wren, who was also an architect, to design the building which is called Flamsteed House.

4 | Time and Longitude Galleries at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium

Flamsteed House in Greenwich - Why time and longitude? Royal Observatory and Planetarium — ^{Flamsteed House in Greenwich – Why time and longitude?}

It is here, at Flamsteed House, that you will find the Royal Observatory’s Time and Longitude galleries, home to the celebrated John Harrison’s “sea clocks”, H4. This is an interesting gallery especially for those with a scientific mind who wish to explore the history behind the various solutions developed by mathematicians and clockmakers in the 18th century. Also, on display here is the GPS receiver which Sir Robin Knox used on his round-the-world record breaking voyage in 1994.

5 | Red Time Ball at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

Another attraction in Flamsteed House which, I think, you should simply witness at least once in your lifetime is the “function” of the bright red Time Ball which sits on top of Flamsteed House.

Greenwich London | timelesstravelsteps.com — ^{The Red Time Ball sits on top of Flamsteed House, at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich} ^{| Image: georgina_daniel}

Historically, this red ball distributed time to ships on the Thames River and many Londoners. What does it exactly do? And how does it do it?

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium GreenwichGreenwich London in 1 day | timelesstravelsteps.com — ^{The Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The Time Ball being dropped at 1 p.m. | Image: georgina_daniel}

Well, since 1833 till today, each day at 12:55, the time ball rises half-way up its mast. At 12:58 exactly, the ball is raised all the way to the top. Then, at 13:00 exactly, the ball falls, thus providing a signal to anyone who is looking. When it was first used in 1833, the ship’s chronometer was accurately set before it set sail.

6 | Planetarium at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

While here, you could also take a journey through space by visiting the Planetarium. A Royal Observatory astronomer presents you with a journey to explore the night sky by flying to the heart of the Sun, takes you to the distant galaxies and see the birth of a star or land on Mars. This is an exciting ‘adventure’ for both young and old and definitely worth the experience. It is a ticketed event and it costs £8.00

7 | The View

Stunning views of the Queen's House, River Thames and London's Skyline from the top of the hill at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. — ^{Stunning views of the Queen’s House, River Thames and London’s Skyline from the top of the hill at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich.}

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich — ^{Queen’s House , Greenwich – The view from the top of the hill of Greenwich Park Royal Observatory | Image: georgina_daniel}

From the top of Greenwich Park at the Royal Observatory, you will have stunning views across the Royal Park towards the Queens House.

8 | Stroll across Greenwich Park

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich London | timelesstravelsteps.com — ^{View of the Royal Observatory and Planetarium atop Greenwich Hill from Greenwich Park | Image: georgina_daniel}

It is a pleasant stroll downhill, across the Park to the Queen’s House. When strolling through the park, be sure to keep a look out for the Royal Deer! Yeap! Deer – they are said to be the direct descendants of King Henry VIII’s hunting stock.

Summary of 8 Experiences at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium Greenwich

The Shepherd’s Clock
Greenwich Meridian Line
Flamsteed House
Time & Longitude Galleries
The Red Time Ball
The Planetarium
The View – stunning views of the Queen’s House, River Thames and London’s Skyline
The Park – the chance to see the Royal Deer!