Sir Norman Lockyer Memorial Trust

The Sir Norman Lockyer Memorial Trust is a United Kingdom-based charitable organisation dedicated to the advancement of education in astronomy and geophysics. Registered under charity number 900135, the Trust primarily supports educational and research activities related to these scientific fields.

History and Background

The Trust was established in memory of Sir Norman Lockyer, a distinguished Victorian amateur astronomer best known for discovering the element helium in the Sun's corona in 1868 and for founding the scientific journal Nature in 1869. Lockyer was also the first professor of astronomical physics at the Normal School of Science (now part of Imperial College London) and was knighted in 1897.

Following Lockyer’s retirement to Sidmouth, Devon, he founded the Hill Observatory in 1912, which was later renamed the Norman Lockyer Observatory after his death in 1920. The Observatory was established as a charitable trust in 1916, a precursor to the current Memorial Trust, to support astrophysical research and public education in astronomy. It remains operational today as a centre for amateur astronomy, meteorology, and radio astronomy, and continues to promote science education through public engagement and courses[3][5].

Purpose and Activities

The Sir Norman Lockyer Memorial Trust focuses on:

• Advancing education in astronomy and geophysics.
• Making grants to individuals and organisations to support scientific research and educational projects.
• Sponsoring and undertaking research in related scientific fields.
• Supporting charitable activities that promote public understanding and appreciation of astronomy[1][2].

Governance and Operations

The charity functions by providing funding and support for research and educational initiatives. It operates primarily within the UK but may extend its influence through partnerships and collaborations in the scientific community.

The Trust’s activities include sponsoring research projects, granting awards to individuals and organisations, and running educational events linked to the Norman Lockyer Observatory and other associated institutions.

Legacy

Sir Norman Lockyer’s legacy endures through the Trust’s ongoing commitment to scientific education and research. The Norman Lockyer Observatory, closely associated with the Trust, preserves and celebrates Lockyer’s contributions to science while fostering community engagement with astronomy. The Trust also benefits from historical endowments and donations, such as those from Robert Mond, which have helped maintain the Observatory as a centre of astronomical excellence[5].

This article summarises information about the Sir Norman Lockyer Memorial Trust’s role in supporting astronomy and geophysics education and research in the UK, continuing the legacy of Sir Norman Lockyer’s contributions to science.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=900135&subid=0 [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/900135/what-who-how-where [3] https://normanlockyer.com [4] https://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1994QJRAS..35...51W [5] https://specialcollections.exeter.ac.uk/2021/10/27/papers-of-sir-norman-lockyer-now-available-online/