Virtual Tour

HOME The Rooftop

Welcome to the rooftop!

The Royal Observatory Edinburgh sits atop Blackford Hill two miles south of the City Centre. When it was built in 1894, this spot would have been far from the lights and smoke of the city and well-placed for professional stargazing. Today, it enjoys panoramic views over Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills and the East Lothian coastline, as well as – weather permitting! – a clear view of the sky

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Take to the skies for a birds-eye view of the ROE site

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Enjoy the 360 view from the Observatory rooftop

Astronomy At Home activities

See the stars, rain or shine!

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Family Friendly Activities


Make a Star-viewer

Want to try some indoor stargazing? Join Fiona to learn how to make your own star-viewer and learn about pictures and stories in the stars. Suitable for ages 5+

Stellarium Scavenger Hunt

Fancy exploring the night sky and then diving into deep space with a virtual planetarium? Try our space scavenger hunt to get started. Suitable for ages 12+

Get started stargazing!

Pocket Starcharts

Our handy guide to get you started navigating the night sky, these pocket star charts highlight the brightest star patterns you’ll find overhead in each season

ASE-24 Observing List for Beginners

Check out this great list of things which are easy to spot in the night sky from our friends at the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh

ASE-24: Observing list for beginners

Virtual Planetarium Shows

In this recording of one of our Planetarium Shows held over Zoom webinar, you can learn more about the night sky. And hear too, our astronomers answering burning questions from our virtual audience

Virtual Planetarium Show

Take a tour of the night sky with our astronomer Ciaran, in this pre-recorded tour of the night sky: https://vimeo.com/431408343