Stuart Clarkson

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

One Direction

What Makes You Beautiful

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

Yorkshire Water hails decision to ban plastic wet wipes

Yorkshire Water has welcomed new legislation banning plastic in wet wipes from next year.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Repair café returns to Skipton next weekend

A community repair café is returning to Skipton next weekend, giving residents the chance to fix broken household items for free.
No motorists turned away from Skipton waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding

North Yorkshire councillors have urged the region’s mayor to "come to the table" to discuss their authority's allocation of road repair funding.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Campaign opposing wind farm on edge of Yorkshire Dales gathers pace

Public consultations are now underway for a major campaign opposing plans for a wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Skipton based charity appoints new patron

The The Principle Trust Children’s Charity have appointed a new patron of the charity.
New strategy to address decline of nature across North Yorkshire

A major new strategy has been launched to help to address the decline of nature across North Yorkshire and York.
Council-run Brierley Homes set to report £7.5m loss

Taxpayers may not get money their back from North Yorkshire Council’s loss-making house building company, opposition leaders have warned as details of a £7.5m annual deficit are revealed.
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of Location, Location, Location

Channel 4's primetime property programme 'Location, Location, Location' is looking for house hunters from across Yorkshire for its new series.
Registration opens for Great Santa Fun Run

Registration for the annual Great Santa Fun Run in Skipton opens today.
Tickets go on sale for this year's Silsden Proms on the Farm

Tickets have now gone on sale for this year’s Silsden Proms on the Farm, with organisers promising another memorable evening of live music, community spirit and charity fundraising.
Council's "patch up" approach to filling potholes criticised

A "patch up" approach to filling potholes could be costing North Yorkshire Council money in the long run, councillors claim.
Accessibility boost as new changing places toilet opens in Malham

A new changing places toilet has opened at the Malham National Park Visitor Centre as part of ongoing work to improve accessibility across the Yorkshire Dales.
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor

Powers to levy charges on overnight stays would be a total game changer, York and North Yorkshire’s mayor has said following a national announcement.
Skipton Charity golf day to be held for 2025 Pride of Britain winner

Skipton Golf Club will host a golf day next month to raise money for local boy, Luke.
North Yorkshire taxi drivers call for fare increase to offset Iran War fuel increases

North Yorkshire taxi drivers have urged councillors to allow a higher fare increase amid sharp rises in the cost of fuel caused by the Iran War.
Devolution will fail if decisions are York-centric, say angry North Yorkshire councillors

Devolution in York and North Yorkshire will fail if further decisions are taken that are York-centric, councillors warned today as a row over road repair funding intensified.