Conservation of Historic Astronomical Observatories in the UK and Ireland.

Historic buildings dedicated to scientific research are rarely mentioned in architectural heritage literature, or are relegated to novelty interest status. However, astronomy is one of the few sciences to possess unique, purpose-built and, in many cases, easily recognizable buildings. They have been central to significant advances in navigation, accurate timekeeping and refining the calendar; all in addition to their obvious use for wider investigation of the cosmos. There are many observatory buildings in the UK associated with institutions or historic figures. There are also historic monuments that most would not recognize as observatories, but which have been used for astronomical observation or specifically built for the purpose. This paper seeks to heighten awareness of observatories in this UNESCO International Year of Astronomy 2009, by discussing their historic development, their relative rarity and, through examples, the conservation status of some of these highly specialized buildings, which continue to survive even though modern astronomical observation is now performed elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]