Thursday, December 26, 2024

Fire-Damaged Observatory Set to Rebuild at New Location

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The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is set to reopen in late 2026 at a new location along the banks of Clatteringshaws Loch in Galloway Forest Park, following its destruction by fire in 2021. The £1.5 million project will feature two observing domes with large telescopes, a 360-degree planetarium, educational spaces, and amenities like a gift shop and café. The site, chosen for its exceptional dark skies, aims to enhance public engagement in astronomy and create various jobs and volunteering opportunities. The observatory’s patron, Professor Catherine Heymans, expressed excitement about the new facility, emphasizing its potential to inspire future generations and elevate Scotland’s reputation as a leader in dark sky tourism. The observatory is supported by a £200,000 grant from South of Scotland Enterprise.

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