About Us

Our aims are to:

  • promote and respond to public interest in astronomy;
  • support science education;
  • promote access to the work of the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

We are part of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) of the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Our core funders are:

  • The UK ATC
  • The STFC Science in Society programme.
  • The Institute for Astronomy of the University of Edinburgh

Meet the team

Dan Hillier

Dan Hillier, Visitor Centre Manager

I joined the Centre in 2000 and have led the development of programmes that reach throughout Scotland and the UK. My special interests include finding new settings for people to be inspired and surprised by science – including linking astronomy with outdoor learning – providing training for teachers and other educators, and working collaboratively with other organisations to achieve these things.

Tania Johnston

Tania Johnston, Education Officer

I joined the Visitor Centre in 2006 as the Science Communicator and became Education Officer in 2007. I manage our public and education programmes, developing and leading activities. I particularly enjoy telling people about the amazing technology which is developed here and having school groups in to meet the astronomers.

Dave Chalton

Dave Chalton, Dark Sky Project Officer

I joined the team in 2007 and run the Dark Sky Scotland project, organising and delivering events and activities across Scotland. The highlights of my job include the great feeling being able to show people the night sky and help increase their knowledge, and especially the ‘Wow!’ moments such as someone seeing the rings of Saturn for the first time.

Will Sharp

Will Sharp, Science Communicator

I joined the Visitor Centre Team as a member of the casual staff pool for evening group visits in April 2004, before becoming the Science Communicator in 2007. My job is to facilitate and lead group and outreach visits, plus assisting with activity development and publicity tasks. I particularly enjoy the challenge of working with many different visitor types and increasing my knowledge of astronomy.