Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England. It is situated upon Black Fell overlooking Kielder Water near the Scottish border, and is accessible from James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace via half-mile long forest track. The site was chosen due to its pristine night skies in a location free of light pollution[1] with clear views to all horizons, and is considered one of the best places in the UK to view the Milky Way.[2]

Kielder Observatory
Kielder Observatory
OrganizationKielder Observatory Astronomical Society
LocationKielder Forest, Northumberland, England
Coordinates55°13′55″N 2°36′58.5″W
Altitude370 m (1,214 ft)
Established2008
WebsiteKielder Observatory
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 500Radio
Kielder Observatory is located in the United Kingdom
Kielder Observatory
Location of Kielder Observatory
  Related media on Commons

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.[3] It won the RIBA Award[4] for its architecture in 2009 and also that same year a Civic Trust Award.[5]

The observatory is administered by the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, a registered charity comprising a board of Trustees and 10 permanent members of educational delivery staff. They are responsible for the delivery of the event schedule and coordinating a large group of volunteers who assist in running the public events that are hosted at the facility.

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 there.[6] Amateur astronomer Gary Fildes—who had been involved with the Star Camp—began advocating for an observatory to be built within the forest, leading 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,[7] 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.[8]

Kielder 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[9] district.

In 2021, Kielder Observatory constructed a new telescope, 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.[10]

Staff

The science communication team at the observatory consists of a mixture of practical / observational astronomers and astrophysicists.[11]

  • Dan Pye - Director of Astronomy and Science Communication[12]
  • Daniel Monk - Director of the Gillian Dickinson Astro-imaging Academy[13]
  • Eleanor Macdonald - Science Lead[14]
  • Adam Shore - Education Lead[15]

Awards

See also

References
  1. "Observatory boasts darkest skies". BBC Online. 25 April 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  2. Henderson, Tony (18 February 2012). "Kielder named top place to view the Milky Way". The Journal. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  3. "Kielder Observatory History". Archived from the original on 2014-11-02. Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  4. "RIBA award". Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  5. "Kielder Observatory scoops major award". News Post Leader. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  6. Kelly, Mike. "How former brickie Gary Fildes reached for the stars". The Journal. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
  7. "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.
  8. Gillian Dickinson Astroimaging Academy
  9. North of Tyne Combined Authority
  10. "Kielder Observatory: New telescope can scan cloudy skies..." Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  11. "Kielder Observatory Our Team". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  12. "Dan Pye". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  13. "Daniel Monk". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  14. "Eleanor Macdonald". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  15. "Adam Shore". Retrieved 2021-12-28.
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