Scottish Dark Sky Observatory

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is an astronomical observatory located near Loch Doon Loch Doon, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It is situated on a hilltop site overlooking the Craigengillan Estate and Dalmellington. The site is located in the northern edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, and within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, with low levels of light pollution and clear horizon views.

Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
OrganizationDark Sky Observatory Ltd
LocationEast Ayrshire, Scotland, UK
Coordinates55°17′28″N 4°24′17″W
Altitude253 m (830 ft)
Established2012
WebsiteDark Sky Observatory
Telescopes
20 inchPlanewave f/6.8 CDK reflector telescope
14 inchCelestron f/11 SCT reflector telescope
Location of Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Related media on Wikimedia Commons

The observatory was built through 2012 and as officially open by then First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond.[1] The building and facilities were expanded in 2017 with the addition of a digital planetarium, officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran John Duncan.[2] Since opening the observatory has seen visitor numbers increase exponentially, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Scotland.[3][4][5]

The SDSO is open all throughout the year, with its main aims involving aiding people of all ages and abilities to learn and experience the wonders of the astronomy and space, and to be a vital educational resource to children in the region.[6]

References
  1. "Dark Sky Observatory 'stunning'". October 5, 2012 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  2. "New planetarium dome opens in Dalmellington". Ayr Advertiser.
  3. "5 Amazing Dark Skies experiences in Scotland". The Blog. March 30, 2016.
  4. "Where are the best spots to go stargazing in Scotland?". April 3, 2017 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  5. Ma, Laura (March 12, 2014). "Dark skies: 23 best places in the world to stargaze". CNN Travel.
  6. Houston, Stephen (April 20, 2018). "Lovebird couple make history with their wedding". dailyrecord.
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