Royal Observatory Greenwich and Mills Observatory have come together to celebrate their shared anniversaries
- Dundee Culture
- 30 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Royal Observatory Greenwich and Dundee’s Mills Observatory have come together to celebrate milestone anniversaries, highlighting the historic link between the two institutions.
This year, the Royal Observatory have marked its 350th anniversary while Mills Observatory celebrates 90 years since opening on Dundee’s Balgay Hill.
During a recent visit to London, Andrew Batchelor, who, as part of Dundee Culture, has been working with Mills Observatory through a successful partnership on promoting the observatory, presented the Royal Observatory with a commemorative card featuring artwork by Dundee illustrator Gillian Eilidh O’Mara.
The gift was warmly received and helped mark the shared milestones between both observatories as they look back on their long-standing contributions to astronomy.
The visit included a meeting with Hannah Hughes, General Manager at the Royal Observatory, and a moment on the Prime Meridian line, the internationally recognised point where east meets west.
It provided an opportunity to reflect on the observatories’ shared heritage and similar missions in public engagement and science education.
Mills and Greenwich have historical connection
The connection between the two sites stretches back to 1935, when the Royal Observatory offered expert guidance during the creation of Mills Observatory.
Its recommendation of Balgay Hill as the best location helped shape what would become the UK’s first purpose built public observatory.
A guided tour from Royal Observatory team member Paul offered detailed insight into the site’s scientific history and cultural significance.
Staff said they were grateful for the warm welcome, the gifts exchanged and the chance to deepen the bond between the institutions.
As both observatories celebrate major anniversaries, the meeting highlights their shared commitment to inspiring public interest in astronomy and their enduring connection across nearly a century
