British astronomy has always been in the forefront of research. This is still true today, though the largest optical telescopes have been moved to sites with better climates, such as La Palma and Hawaii. The organisation, together with the development and testing of new equipment, is still carried out largely at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, Herstmonceux. In this programme Patrick Moore talks to Professor Alec Boksenberg , Director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and other scientists about these important new developments, in which British astronomers are so deeply involved.