Founded in November 1982[3] by Peter Drew, Linda Simonian[4] and Rob Miller on the site of a disused factory,[5] high in the Pennines, the Centre provides opportunities for its members, schools,[6] local community groups and the general public[7] to observe[8] and photograph[9] astronomical phenomena at a range of wavelengths during daylight and night hours.

[2] Developments in optical fabrication, photography and communications now permit many visitors and members to complement their home astronomical facilities, skills and experience with those of the Astronomy Centre.

In keeping with the Centres original ethos, besides welcoming visitors to the facility, current members engage off-site with schools, youth organisations and community groups and also provide contributions to national, regional, local print and broadcast media.

The largest optical telescope currently in regular use is a 30 inches (760 mm) open truss Newtonian on a mount inspired by the designs of John Dobson.

Many of the optical instruments were constructed by telescope maker Peter Drew, who has also provided many other societies and individuals (such as Hoober Observatory) with their equipment.