Members of Sidmouth's Norman Lockyer Observatory were 'astonished' to find what they believe to be an original part of a telescope previously housed on site.

A large seven-inch lens and guide telescope were recently discovered on the observatory grounds, apparently abandoned in the gorse.

Where they came from has been described as a 'complete mystery', but the lens is believed to be an original part of a telescope that used to be housed there.

The Mond Equatorial telescope was installed at the observatory in 1933. It was later bought by Dr. Glyn Marsh, and given back to the observatory several years ago following his death.

NLO Chairman David Strange said: "Several years ago, the late Dr. Glyn Marsh, having purchased the Mond Equatorial [telescope] at the dispersal sale in 1985, kindly donated it back to the observatory.

"We are currently in the process of installing it as an exhibit but were astonished to discover a large lens and guide telescope recently abandoned in the gorse in the observatory grounds.

"From where these came is a complete mystery, but the exciting news is that we believe this large 7" lens was one of the four astrographic lenses that were originally used on the Mond telescope."

The Norman Lockyer Observatory has now reopened to the public after two years of closure due to the pandemic.

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