Register here to attend one of the guided tours of the Atmospheric Observatory at the University of Reading.
Weather observations commenced at the university in London Road in 1901, and today we have over 100 years unbroken daily records of temperature, rainfall etc. Most of our instruments are fully automatic, and logged by computer every second of every day, 365 days per year. The wide range of observatory instruments and their records provide a valuable teaching and research resource to the department as well as continuing our long climate record.
The Observatory tours are open to university staff/family members, students, alumni, university neighbours and interested general public, subject only to capacity limit (20 persons per tour). No age restrictions. We particularly welcome sixth-form students, or those about to enter sixth form, who may be considering applying for a place to study Meteorology or related subjects at Reading.
The tours will take place regardless of weather conditions: bring a coat or umbrella if raining, and suitable footwear as the site can be muddy in wet weather. There is little shade, so you may wish to bring a hat or bottled water in warm weather.
TOUR DATES AND TIMES
Select your choice of date below. Tours start promptly at 3.00 pm and will last about an hour. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THESE TOURS - please register using the form below.
MEETING POINT
The Atmospheric Observatory is located between the Erlegh House (NHS building) and Bridges Hall (map square C5 on the Whiteknights Campus map). The nearest entrance is Earley Gate. There is very limited parking around the Observatory: please use public transport if possible. Assemble by the sign marked ‘Atmospheric Observatory’.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
The tours are free of charge, but numbers are restricted to 20 visitors on each occasion. Places are first come, first served.
Please provide your e-mail address so that we can confirm your place - it will not be used for any other purpose.