Durham University Observatory And Met Automatic Weather Station

Who's seen a few copper tops in Durham? None more attractive than the Durham University Observatory, and where better to put an observatory than on Elvet Hill adjacent to Observatory Hill.

The specification required for the observatory was open ground and a precise measurement above sea level.

Its coordinates are 54° 46' 06” North , 1° 35' 05” West and 102 metres above sea level.

The architect of the observatory was Anthony Salvin (1799 to 1881), a local man who gained a phenomenal reputation for his Late Georgian and early Victorian Gothic Revival style. He designed new churches, huge country homes, the Grace Darling monument, oh and one astronomical observatory. Numerous restoration projects including Windsor Castle, Tower of London, Wells and Durham Cathedral.

From my research Salvin's work was never dull. In his 50 year career he designed 34 new churches, did restoration work on 20 old churches and 3 cathedrals. An approximation of 366 buildings had Salvin's official stamp. Later, he has been decried for altering many historic sites.

I don't think I would have visited this historic building if it were not for the copper dome. Have you ever wondered, why copper? well Cu -

Copper sheet was manufactured in the 19th century making it a popular choice for the more discerning. It's visual impact is now a photographers dream. The oxidised surface gives the distinctive green patina that makes it a water resistant covering. Its cost means it is mainly used on buildings of distinction. Other materials like lead, aluminium, tin, zinc and galvanised and stainless Steel can be used, but copper holds top trumps. The copper sheet is remarkably malleable which meant it can be, hammered and formed without cracking. Copper has high tensile strength, is less dense than lead, has a high melting point, which makes it a great fire resistant covering. What's not to like!

The astronomers were dedicated to observing. The polymath, Professor Temple Chevallier (1794 to 1873) oversaw the first 29 years from 1842 to 1871

As a student you are entitled to drink Aspall cider to celebrate Temple Chevallier, who was of the Chevallier family of Aspall Hall.

Chevallier was the first British astronomer to instigate regular and continuous observation of sunspots.

The lunar crater Chevallier is named after him.

The astronomical equipment malfunctioned and it appears alignment was problematic. Up steps Mr Wharton from Wharton Park and provides an observatory obelisk which is 1 mile due north of this observatory.

There is a door on the second floor, which I guess with the aid of a ladder you could reach the roof, may be when the dome got stuck!? I have read it was to allow access to the flat roof over the ground floor to take essential weather readings without clacketing expensive equipment up or down the stairs.

I hear you ask, why did The university start weather recording here? Astronomical observers had to calculate the refraction of light from the air temperature, humidity and pressure, along with the location. Celestial positions could then be accurately recorded. Equipment was set up, then one thing led to another, weather was monitored from 1843 and before you know it in 1930 a seismic metering device was added. Readings were taken manually thrice daily at 09h00 15h00 and 21h00. This fixed location has benefited the consistency of readings, and has the second longest record of continuous observations in England. The longest is Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford which dates from1772. In 1999 manual observations stopped and there is now a Met Automatic Weather Station. How many bits of kit can you name?

You can look up weather data from the observatory on the internet and judge for yourself if our climate is getting hotter, colder, wetter or more pressurised!

On the ground from left to right there is an environmental telemetry and monitoring station, utilised for field study. It radios in messages about weather and other items (Thank you Tony for Museum of Victoria Science). I think on top is a sunlight measuring device. The beehive looking box is a Stevenson screen that may contain a thermometer, Psychrometer, Hydrometer and barometer, then there is a rain gauge, and I am assuming a seismic metering device.

There is a plain weather vane on the roof, and no anemometer to be seen.

Have a little walk round to Observatory Hill and you will be rewarded with a marvellous view of the Castle and Cathedral. I could see through me binos The Penshaw Monument and my favourite High Moorsley Weather Radar Station.

Please be respectful and note that the observatory is not a public building.