This has probably been asked before but here goes. What's the small domed building on the hill behind the David Wilson estate at Lodge Moor ?
Is it some kind of observatory or maybe something to do with water works etc....

TIA

Col S

Originally posted by Cols
This has probably been asked before but here goes. What's the small domed building on the hill behind the David Wilson estate at Lodge Moor ?
Is it some kind of observatory or maybe something to do with water works etc....

TIA

Col S

I believe that it is either an observatory or an air vent to a tunnel.

PT

It's an astronomical observatory. It used to be the University's, but I'm not sure of its current status. I have never seen it in use.

Yes, it's definately an observatory. I think it is still in use, although can't be sure about this. My dad used to be a keyholder for it quite a few years back.

The strange thing is that the Sheffield Astonomical Society set up telescopes in the car park of the old school further down in the valley. I would have thought that they would use the observatory.

Yes, it belongs to the University Physics & Astronomy department. Don't know if the general public can get access to it, though, but I would really like to have a look.

There is no public access to this building. The only ay to it is across a load of fields, no car can get up there. I cycled up to it once after dragging my bike through a load of hedges. Its VERY small once you get close up and I dont envisage fitting more than a handful of people inside. I have never known it in use at all and have never seen it change position.

Despite living here for some years now and driving past the area on numerous occasions, I have just spotted what appears to be a small observatory perched on a small hill overlooking Gorse Lane in Lodge Moor.

Anymore info on this history if this and current status.

Thanks

Now Geoff would say "Search before posting!!!"

Here is your answer. (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?postid=286018#post286018)

Belongs to Sheffield University, I believe.

You could read this (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8803&highlight=observatory)

Ok, should have searched before hand!!

Cheers anyhow, looks like it is still very much in use by the University.

It used to be my chill out place when i was a young teen (crafty fag and teenage angst), think i already mentioned it as one of my fave places in sheffield on an older post.

It was built by the University and used by them for many years, but I understand it has been handed over to a trust run by the Sheffield astronomy group (not sure of their proper title, Sheffield Astonomical Society ? ).

Originally posted by algy
It was built by the University and used by them for many years, but I understand it has been handed over to a trust run by the Sheffield astronomy group (not sure of their proper title, Sheffield Astonomical Society ? ).

Could you enlighten us as to the source of your understanding.

Neither the University's Physics & Astronomy webpages nor the Sheffield Astronomical Society webpages contain anything to support this suggestion.

Threads merged, thanks.

It's a 21st century police box to ensure us Lodge Moorons aren't getting up to anything untoward, like watering our gardens in the winter snow or wearing sunglasses in the bath. I should know, my house looks over it and it glows a strange colour in the dark.

(Cue: Doctor Who music).

my house looks over it and it glows a strange colour in the dark.

(Cue: Doctor Who music). [/B]


Its the top secret Government research military establishment with rumoured nuclear reactors buried deep below the ground, the dome is but a vent shaft. Try and cross the fields on foot to get to it, which is the only access, and you will see the combat-clad snipers watching you from their strategic vantage points.

Originally posted by cgksheff
Could you enlighten us as to the source of your understanding.

Neither the University's Physics & Astronomy webpages nor the Sheffield Astronomical Society webpages contain anything to support this suggestion.
I belong to a conservation group that meets in the same venue as the Astronomical Soc. I do archaeological research for my group, and expressed an interest in visiting the site of the 'dome', as it sits on a Bole Hill, which is a mediaeval smelting site. I was told that if I wanted permission to go there I should contact the Society, not the Uni, as the former are now responsible for the site. Since this is second-hand info rather than first hand I said I understand, not I definitely know. However, since I intend to arrange a site visit I'll have to confirm it, and I'll post any info I can confirm.

FYI...

The Bole Hill Observatory is owned by the University of Sheffield. Inside the building is very little. You nip up a ladder and there is a great big telescope. It is misaligned, dusty and the place is full of spiders. The university do not use it much and the Sheffield Astronomical Society has tried to help them fix it. The SheffieldAS have a key and have brought members you to see it if they are interested. We cannot bring public up there, but you could join and we could take you there if you pleaded and begged a lot. But I promise you it is not worth it as it is all a bit neglected and we get a better image through our portable telescopes from Mayfield Valley. Also the Lodge Moor housing has ruined the view with light pollution. Don't get me wrong though it could be a great telescope just it is University owned and there are not funds directed towards its use at the moment, as far as we know.

Thats why we want our own observatory that we can let the public use. But if you want to do some astronomy come to our outdoor observing events...

We have two observing events this month on the 15th and the 29th. The 15th is our standard monthly observing event which is £1 for adults and free for the kids. The 29th is a special one-off event for the close approach of Mars. This event is £3/£1 adults/kids but includes indoor presentations.

For more information please email/ring us or visit
www sheffieldastro org.uk

Thanks for the info. I read the bit in the Telegraph about your plans, sounds superb, good luck with the money!

The University should be made to clear up all their abandoned junk. Out here we have the remains of their radio astronomy project, - two rusting steerable dishes and loads of concrete littering the landscape.

I wonder if the Peak Park Authority could force them to remove it ?:evil:

The public were invited to have a look in '86? when Haley's comet was visible.

So if you missed out, the next chance ( for Haley's ) will be in 2061.

Arrive early - there were quite a few last time!