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Astronomy for All Lectures

Established in 2006 by Charles Barclay (now an Honorary Fellow of Green Templeton College), the Astronomy for All Lecture Series strengthens connections between Green Templeton and the University of Oxford’s Astrophysics department and raises awareness of the Radcliffe Observatory among modern astrophysicists, students, and the public, with accessible talks from leading astronomers and researchers. 

The series has ranged across contemporary astrophysics and cosmology, as well as astronomy education, archaeoastronomy and historical subjects. Speakers have included leading figures in the field, including five Presidents of the Royal Astronomical Society, among them Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and former Savilian Professor Steven Balbus. The series reached an important milestone in 2025, when Charles delivered the fiftieth Astronomy for All lecture. Titled ‘Hornsby’s legacy: Laying the foundations of Astronomy in Oxford’, the lecture explored the origins of the Radcliffe Observatory and the vision of Thomas Hornsby, the Savilian Professor of Astronomy, for the building.  

This fiftieth lecture also marked Professor Rob Fender’s arrival as new convener of the lectures. Rob joined Green Templeton’s Fellowship in 2023 and has helped to build a deeper relationship between the college and the University of Oxford’s Astrophysics sub-department. In parallel, seven Astrophysics Associates joined the college. More than four hundred people attended the first lecture of this new chapter, given by Professor Brian Schmidt under the title ‘The Universe from beginning to end’ at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Read the report.

Green Templeton aims not simply to remember but to actively engage with our historic connection with astronomy. To this end, the college holds the Astronomy for All series alongside community events for Oxford Open Doors and regular stargazing nights for the college community. The Preserving the Past | Inspiring the Future campaign seeks to safeguard the Grade I Radcliffe Observatory for future generations, while creating new opportunities to encounter its history and continuing astronomical legacy.

Find out more about the Radcliffe Observatory and Green Templeton’s campaign to conserve it

Stargazing Image Feb 2026

Previous events

Beautiful autumnal colours on the Stables 🍁🍂🍁

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Beautiful autumnal colours on the Stables 🍁🍂🍁

Behind the scaffolding: See inside. See why it matters.

Something remarkable is happening at the Radcliffe Observatory.

Our new film takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary expertise, dedication and craftsmanship involved in conserving one of Oxford`s most significant buildings. With works progressing at pace, the Observatory is entering an exciting new chapter.

The Radcliffe Observatory was created through the generosity of one generation. Its survival depends on the stewardship of another. Its legacy will be inherited by generations yet to come.

Thanks to existing supporters, important progress is already being made. But there is still much to do.

Now, we have an opportunity to play our part in securing the Observatory`s future.

Be part of what comes next.

🎬 Watch our new film, Behind the scaffolding, and discover four ways to support our £3 million campaign.

Click the link in our bio to find out more!

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Open post by greentempleton with ID 17961614997230705
Behind the scaffolding: See inside. See why it matters. Something remarkable is happening at the Radcliffe Observatory. Our new film takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary expertise, dedication and craftsmanship involved in conserving one of Oxford's most significant buildings. With works progressing at pace, the Observatory is entering an exciting new chapter. The Radcliffe Observatory was created through the generosity of one generation. Its survival depends on the stewardship of another. Its legacy will be inherited by generations yet to come. Thanks to existing supporters, important progress is already being made. But there is still much to do. Now, we have an opportunity to play our part in securing the Observatory's future. Be part of what comes next. 🎬 Watch our new film, Behind the scaffolding, and discover four ways to support our £3 million campaign. Click the link in our bio to find out more!

Congratulations to all of our new students who matriculated this weekend!

Welcome to Green Templeton 🐍🐚

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Open post by greentempleton with ID 17907546444569907
Congratulations to all of our new students who matriculated this weekend! Welcome to Green Templeton 🐍🐚
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