Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Fleetwood Mac

The Chain

Listen Live Podcasts

First images released from Skipton school’s new observatory

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 08:58

Image captured by the students.

Ermysted's Grammar School students and staff have shared the first image captured by the new observatory.

The photograph features the planet Jupiter along with four of its largest moons, illustrating the capability of the recently opened observatory to view celestial objects beyond Earth.

The facility is part of a project designed to enhance science learning and inspire interest in astronomy among pupils.

The observatory was established to give students hands-on experience with astronomical observation and to support science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education.

It forms part of a wider effort to enrich the school’s curriculum and provide opportunities for young people to engage with space science.

The first image marks the beginning of planned activities and observations that will be shared with the school community and beyond.

Staff and students say they look forward to using the observatory to view a range of targets in the night sky, and to developing their understanding of astronomy as part of their studies.

Further images and updates from the facility are expected as the school continues its programme of observations and learning activities.

More from Local news

Skipton farmer and influencer to appear at first ever Yorkshire farming conference

Tickets are selling quickly for the first Yorkshire Farming Conference, which will take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Wednesday 28th January 2026.
Hospital bowled over by local cricket club donation

For the fifth year in a row Sutton in Craven Cricket Club have donated cricket sets to Airedale NHS Foundation Trusts Children’s Unit over the Christmas period.
The Principle Trust celebrates community support from The Bull at Broughton

The local pub has raised £865 through walks and quiz nights to fund a respite break for a family in need.
MP to meet Transport Ministers over spiralling cost of Silsden–Steeton bridge

Keighley & Ilkley MP Robbie Moore will meet with Transport Ministers to discuss bringing the spiralling costs of the long-awaited pedestrian bridge between Silsden and Steeton under control.
Get broken or damaged item fixed for free at Skipton Repair Café

Repair Cafés are returning to Skipton this winter, giving residents the chance to get broken or damaged items fixed for free while enjoying a friendly, community atmosphere.
Over 100 fire service staff injured across North Yorkshire in three years

Data obtained by Accident Claims Advice shows that more than 100 firefighters working for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been injured while on duty over the past three years.
Funding applications now open for Skipton Charities Gala Fund

Skipton Town Council [STC] is now inviting applications from charities and community organisations who would like to benefit from the annual event.
North Yorkshire Council faces budget decisions following £40m funding loss

Residents and businesses across North Yorkshire have been warned that difficult decisions lie ahead as the county council prepares its budget for the next financial year amid a significant funding shortfall.
Local MP Urges Local Schools to Register for Parliament Visits

Local MP Sir Julian Smith has encouraged schools across Skipton and Ripon to register for free educational visits to Parliament ahead of the next booking window opening later this month.
Tickets go on sale for Addingham Village Pantomime

Tickets have gone on sale for Addingham's pantomime, “Aladdin & His Marvellous Lamp”.
Sign up for Your Local Experiences for chance to win £1,000 prize

You can sign up to our brand new voucher platform for the chance to win a £1,000 prize.
Silsden man sets out to run 160 miles following girlfriend's breast cancer diagnosis

Stuart Heaviside started his 160 mile run yesterday evening (Sunday 11th) for his girlfriend, Mahalia.
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Race Across the World

Yorkshire residents with a sense of adventure are being invited to take part in the next series of BBC's Race Across the World.
Council facing ombudsman investigations after parents complain about school transport policy

North Yorkshire Council is facing multiple investigations by the local authority watchdog over its controversial home-to-school policy change, it has emerged.
Skipton featured on BBC's new Rise and Shine segment

The BBC have recently introduced a new Rise and Shine segment and Skipton made a feature this morning.
Award winning bar in Skipton closed for renovations

Nightshade Cocktail bar in Skipton, shut in the New year for renovations.
Temporary CCTV trial at Skipton Bus Station reports positive outcomes

Partner organisations involved in Skipton’s Community Safety Working Group have reported positive outcomes following a temporary CCTV trial at Skipton Bus Station.
Feasibility study to look at replacing or rebuilding Skipton bridge

A feasibility study is being planned on whether to replace or rebuild a narrow bridge to improve access to potential new housing sites.
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Skipton

A yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for Skipton as Storm Goretti brings colder conditions across parts of the UK.
Hundreds reported to have taken part in Skipton's Nutcracker trail

Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) has reported positive feedback following the delivery of its festive Nutcracker Trail.