Marina Towers Observatory

The Marina Towers Observatory (also known as the Swansea Observatory and Tower of the Ecliptic) is located in the Maritime Quarter of Swansea, on the coast of southern Wales. It was previously home to Wales's largest optical astronomical telescope.[1] The building was designed by Robin Campbell in 1989 and consists of two towers, it was built with part funding from a European Heritage Grant. From 1993 to Feb 2010 it was loaned to the Swansea Astronomical Society but it is now back in the hands of Swansea City Council.

Marina Towers Observatory
Alternative namesSwansea Observatory; Tower of the Ecliptic
General information
Location Swansea, Wales
AddressMaritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1YB
Coordinates51°36′50.4″N 3°56′12″W
Technical details
Floor count4
Design and construction
ArchitectRobin Campbell

The top of the tower has a stained glass feature designed by David Pearl. Observational facilities previously included a 20-inch Shafer-Maksutov telescope - the second largest of its kind in the world. But this has since been removed after Swansea Astronomical Society vacated the site.

References
  1. "Tˆy Agored Abertawe" (PDF). Civic Trust Wales. 2007. Retrieved 2008-02-22.


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