350 Years of the Royal Observatory Greenwich presented by Mike Meynell, from the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

In 1675, King Charles II founded the Royal Observatory Greenwich to “rectify the tables of the motions of the heavens” and improve navigation at sea. Three and a half centuries later, the Observatory remains one of the world’s most recognisable sites in astronomy and timekeeping. This talk explores its 350-year story – from Flamsteed’s early star catalogues to Harrison’s quest for longitude, Airy’s Meridian, and the modern scientific legacy that still defines Greenwich as the home of time and space.

 Mike Meynell is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Honorary Member of the Flamsteed Astronomy Society, which is based at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Over more than 15 years with the society, he has served as Vice-Chair and now coordinates all of its observing events, from solar viewing at the Royal Observatory Greenwich to night-time stargazing on Blackheath. A dedicated observer and communicator, Mike enjoys sharing both the practical and historical sides of astronomy.

Members will be sent the link to join the meeting.