Educational Days Out: The Observatory Science Centre, East Sussex

Many of us visit the Sussex coast during the summer holidays for its beaches. Why not combine your stay in Sussex with some educational fun as well?

The Observatory Science Centre in Hailsham, East Sussex has lots of interactive activities and equipment on hand for young astronomers and science fans. It hosts six historical telescopes which used to be owned by the famous Royal Greenwich Observatory and have since been restored to their former glory. One of the telescopes was even used to view Pluto for the very first time in the 1930s!

The telescopes can be used to view space as it is today - you never know, you might discover a new planet. If you take part in one of the educational workshops (booking is essential) then you can learn how to use the telescopes as well as finding out about the map of the sky and discovering more about the wonders of the universe.

There are also other "drop-in" activities for the kids to enjoy, including a "Zany Zone" where you can make helicopters and conduct simple science experiments. There is also an Ecology Cart, where you get the opportunity to look through a microscope and play fun games which will teach you more about nature.

Find out more about the Observatory Science Centre at www.the-observatory.org