Royal Observatory, Greenwich

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is a historic observatory set on a hill in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames. Commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, it played a pivotal role in astronomy and navigation. The Prime Meridian passes through its grounds, giving its name to Greenwich Mean Time, the precursor to Coordinated Universal Time. The building, often called Flamsteed House after the first Astronomer Royal, was completed in 1676. Today the site operates as a museum, part of Royal Museums Greenwich alongside the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House and the clipper ship Cutty Sark. Visitors can stand on the Meridian Line, explore historic telescopes and timekeeping instruments, and see the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope, which became operational for astronomical research in 2018. The observatory offers a fascinating insight into the history of science and navigation.