Proud to be part of LJMU,
in partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust

 

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About The Schools' Observatory

In the early 2000s, Liverpool John Moores University had an idea. What if we were to build the world’s largest completely robotic telescope?

A telescope which could react so fast that we could see the first few minutes of a star exploding. Able to adapt so that it could track a comet on its way past the Earth. Using cutting-edge technology to carry out world-class science and astronomy. 

And what if we also let schools use it? For free.

The Schools' Observatory was born, opening a new window to the Universe – inspiring students to do science and use the best technology.
 

A close-up view of the Liverpool Telescope. It is pointing upwards at the sky which is bright blue in colour. The telescope is within an enclosure with its roof open and folded back. In the distance, there are a few more white telescope enclosures on a sloping hill.
This work by Liverpool Telescope is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International
The Liverpool Telescope

From the seed of an idea, we have brought space into the classroom – supporting schools to take hundreds of thousands of observations of the cosmos. Engaging millions of people with space education over the last 15+ years.


And now, thanks to our partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust, we can offer our users even more! From 2024, we merged access to the Las Cumbres Observatory network's 20+ telescopes, which are spread all over the world.

"It provides an opportunity not readily available elsewhere; to take and manipulate unique images that can be subsequently used to better understand the universe.”
- External evaluation, Hope-Stone Research (2018)

An elongated oval shaped cloud is in the image middle, on a slight diagonal angle from bottom left to top right. The background is black with a few small dots of white stars scattered throughout. The cloud is red in colour, darker at the edges and becoming lighter with hints of white in the middle.
This work by The Schools' Observatory is licensed under All rights reserved
M1 (The Crab Nebula)

We support learners on their STEM journey – however far that might be. We provide resources for preschool families to think about space from the earliest stages. We offer advice for those who want to follow a career in STEM. And along the way we inform, educate, and inspire.

Space is truly Universal. Away from our diverse experiences on this Earth, we all share the same planet. We all look out to the same space and wonder the same big questions – Where did it all begin? Are we alone? What will become of our planet?

Space is truly awesome. And when wondering about space, we can all learn. Science, maths, engineering, technology, coding, questioning and creativity. Skills that can set us up for life.

We are here for the journey. Providing a wealth of accurate information, quality things to do and support. Come and join us!

 

“For a young person getting into astronomy, The Schools’ Observatory was like an open door. It didn’t hold us back, made us feel like we were smart enough.”
- Secondary student, UK