High Moorsley Weather Radar Station
Landmark In Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne And Wear
A distinguished weather radar station that can be seen for miles.
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I always wondered what the golf ball was that I could see near where I live, so I went to find out. On my first excursion, I didn't use sat nav or maps and tried to follow roads and spot it as it can be seen for quite a distance around the area. I didn't get near it!
So next time I used an Ordnance Survey map and bingo! I parked down the hill in a layby and went to explore. I passed a covered reservoir, and there it was. It is High Moorsley Weather Radar Station.
It opened in 2009 and was the first weather radar station in the North East, which is where we get our forecast from. It cost £10 million and is one of 15 that cover the UK. Its range is up to 150 miles.
How does it work? I'm glad you asked. It uses microwaves and compares measurements, (There is more on the Met Office website for real enthusiasts). For those that like a bit of geometry the 'golf ball' shape is called a truncated icosahedron. Remember that for your next pub quiz!
At the site, there is an Ordnance Survey triangulation point (163). It is the highest point in this Sunderland area. Yes, it is higher than the Penshaw Monument (trig point 136), which you can see, along with Durham Cathedral and the Angel Of The North
Be sure to admire the view on the north side of Moorsley Road too, and remember to take your binoculars!.
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Login to bag this placeHow To Find High Moorsley Weather Radar Station
Where Is High Moorsley Weather Radar Station?
Lat / Long
54.803431, -1.474555
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Where To Park For High Moorsley Weather Radar Station?
Lat / Long
54.807258, -1.475866
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Parking is available in a layby just down the hill before the footpath that takes you to the radar station.
Contributed by Rosalind Parker
Thank you for reading. I hope it sparks your interest. It’s always a pleasure to get out and explore, whatever the weather. I enjoy uncovering little snippets of information, especially when they’re obscure, amusing, or meaningful. All photos were taken on a mobile phone.
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