Kew Observatory, Royal observatory in Richmond, England
The King's Observatory features an octagonal central room, a rusticated ground floor, and a rotating dome atop the three-story stone structure.
King George III commissioned this observatory in 1769 to observe the transit of Venus, allowing scientists to calculate the solar system dimensions.
The observatory influenced the architectural design of multiple scientific institutions across Britain and Ireland during the Georgian period.
The building operated as a meteorological office from 1910 to 1980, sending weather reports throughout the United Kingdom from its Richmond location.
The telescope cupola remains the oldest functional rotating dome worldwide, maintaining its original mechanical system from the eighteenth century.
Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Architects: William Chambers
GPS coordinates: 51.46890,-0.31470
Latest update: May 14, 2025 00:49
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