Kielder Observatory
Kielder Observatory
OrganizationKielder Observatory Astronomical Society
LocationKielder Forest, Northumberland, England
Coordinates55°13′55″N 2°36′58.5″W / 55.23194°N 2.616250°W / 55.23194; -2.616250
Altitude370 m (1,214 ft)
Established2008
Websitewww.kielderobservatory.org
Telescopes
Sir Patrick Moore Observatory16 inch TS Optics f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Reflector
16 inch Observatory16 inch ACF telescope
Portable Telescopes3 x 12 inch Skywatcher Skyliner 300P Dobsonian
Gillian Dickinson Astroimaging Academy 110 inch TS Optics Ritchey-Chretien Reflector
Gillian Dickinson Astroimaging Academy 214 inch TS Optics Ritchey-Chretien Reflector
Gillian Dickinson Astroimaging Academy 34 inch Takahashi FSQ-106EDX4 Refractor
Tanlaw Radio Telescope5m Radio2Space PrimaLuce SPIDER 500 Radio
Kielder Observatory is located in the United Kingdom
Kielder Observatory
Location of Kielder Observatory
  Related media on Commons

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, Englandupon Black Fell overlooking Kielder Water near the Scottish border. It is accessible from James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace via a half-mile long forest track.

The observatory's design is the result of a competition managed by RIBA Competitions which was won by London-based Charles Barclay Architects. The building is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine.[1] It won the RIBA Award[2] for its architecture in 2009 and also that same year a Civic Trust Award.[3]

The observatory is administered by the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, which is a registered charity consisting of a board of Trustees and ten permanent members of staff responsible for educational delivery.

History

Kielder Forest was a popular place for stargazing before the construction of the observatory, with the Kielder Forest Star Camp being an annual event.[4] Amateur astronomer Gary Fildes—who had been involved with the Star Camp—began advocating for an observatory to be built within the forest and led a campaign that raised several hundred thousand pounds to pay for construction. Kielder Observatory was officially opened on 25 April, 2008 by Sir Arnold Wolfendale, the 14th Astronomer Royal,[5] and in its first year entertained approximately 1200 guests. In 2014, the observatory had nearly 20,000 visitors, thus making it one of the top tourist destinations in Northumberland.

In 2018, Kielder Observatory expanded to accommodate construction of the Gillian Dickinson Astroimaging Academy.[6]

The observatory also runs educational outreach activities in schools throughout the region via a project co-funded by various local authorities. In 2019, Kielder Observatory was awarded funding and contract for delivery in the North of Tyne Combined Authority[7] district.

In 2021, the observatory constructed a 5 m (16 ft) Radio2Space Radio Antenna, donated by the Tanlaw Foundation. This project is intended to educate the general public on Radio Astronomy and assist teaching programmes in schools.[8]

Staff

The science communication team at the observatory consists of practical and observational astronomers and astrophysicists.[9]

  • Dan Pye – Director of Astronomy and Science Communication[10]
  • Daniel Monk – Director of the Gillian Dickinson Astro-imaging Academy[11]
  • Eleanor Macdonald – Science Lead[12]
  • Adam Shore – Education Lead[13]

Awards

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Kielder Observatory History". Archived from the original on 2014-11-02. Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  2. ↑ "RIBA award". Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  3. ↑ "Kielder Observatory scoops major award". News Post Leader. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  4. ↑ Kelly, Mike. "How former brickie Gary Fildes reached for the stars". The Journal. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
  5. ↑ "From Big Bang to the night sky in winter..." Hexham Courant. 10 October 2008. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  6. ↑ "New observatory opens at Kielder – with video". Hexham Courant. 2018-05-03. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  7. ↑ Creative, Kino (2019-11-01). "Combined Authority helps schoolchildren reach for the stars". NTCA. Retrieved 2023-11-06.
  8. ↑ "Kielder Observatory: New telescope can scan cloudy skies..." BBC News. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  9. ↑ "Kielder Observatory Our Team". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  10. ↑ "Dan Pye". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  11. ↑ "Daniel Monk". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  12. ↑ "Eleanor Macdonald". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  13. ↑ "Adam Shore". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
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