Telescope at The Royal Observatory

A striking feature of the new Astronomy Galleries at The Royal Observatory is the large mechanical telescope. HMC Interactive’s main challenge was to build software that could talk to it.

The engaging new exhibit is a giant white telescope with two screens built into it. The main touch screen lets you select targets to aim the telescope towards, with the second screen showing a close-up of the night sky.

On the control panel are two big levers that control movement. Once you have selected a star or planet to aim for, you must move the telescope until you ‘lock on’ to your target. You can then zoom in for a closer look and some interesting facts about the stars.

Talking telescope

HMC Interactive worked closely with special effects company Machine Shop to create software that could interpret the movements of their telescope. Because the telescope was pointed at an actual map of the stars, the software had to match closely with where the telescope was pointed.

I had to think of some clever ways to convert digital movement into declination and right ascension. Mike Cobb — HMC Interactive

The finished exhibit is a fun and rewarding experience that makes a superb centrepiece for the Astronomy Explores gallery.

Design & production: Newangle Software programming: HMC Interactive