94% of secondary school pupils take part in cultural, sporting and leisure activities outwith the school curriculum 
Annual report 2006/2007 Coats Observatory
Home > Services > Leisure and Culture > Museums and Galleries
Coats Observatory location mapCoats Observatory is a unique attraction, housing astronomical equipment and displays, weather and earthquake recording equipment.
Gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats and designed by Glasgow Architect John Honeyman the building opened in 1884 and has been welcoming everyone with an interest in astronomy ever since. The observatory also has a planetarium which gives visitors a tour of the night sky without having to leave the comfort of their chair.
Viewing Nights - every Tuesday and Thursday from October to March
During the winter months the observatory is open on a Tuesday and Thursday night for public viewing through the telescope. On clear nights the telescope is trained on the moon, the planets and other interesting sights in the night sky. Night viewings are weather dependent and cannot take place in rain, high wind or on cloudy nights.
Solar Viewing - every Thursday from June
Using the special solar telescope set up in the observatory garden members of the public can come along and safely view our nearest star. Sunspots, solar prominences and flares are visible through the telescope.
| Opening times | |
| Monday | closed (open public holidays, 10am - 5pm) |
| Tuesday - Saturday | 10am - 5pm (closed for lunch, 1pm - 2pm) |
| Sunday | 2pm - 5pm |
| Viewing Nights every Tuesday and Thursday from October - March | 6.30pm - 9pm |
| Solar Viewing every Thursday from 5 June 2008 | 2pm - 4pm |
Please note: due to the nature of the building Coats Observatory is unsuitable for wheelchair users.
to contact the Renfrewshire Arts and Museums service
- email ram.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone 0141 889 2013 (Coats Observatory)
- Coats Observatory 49 Oakshaw Street West, Paisley, PA1 2DE
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