The Kielder Observatory, set in a tranquil and unspoilt landscape, will provide a state of the art facility for astronomers and scientists as well as being an educational resource to inspire amateur star experts. The opening weekend will be a chance for the public to find out more about the Observatory and join in lots of fun events.
“North East England has been recognised as the most tranquil region in the country while Kielder has one of the least light polluted skies in the UK. The Observatory will also help draw attention to the unique wilderness of the surrounding landscape,” said Louise Davis, Head of Tourism and Culture at One NorthEast, which has supported the project.
Family events are planned for the duration of the opening weekend, and three artworks have been specially commissioned for the site.
The events begin with the Observatory's first night watches on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, when visitors are invited to look at the skies between 8pm and midnight, and take tours of the new building. (Meet at Kielder Castle Visitor Centre, £5 adults, £3 concessions).
Other events will include free talks, workshops, model making sessions and solar observations.
A free bus service will take people to the Observatory from Kielder Castle Visitor Centre at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm – register your place at the Forestry Commission shop at Kielder Castle on the day of your visit. See the full events programme on the Kielder Observatory website.
One of the artist commissions is the 'Star-Diary', produced by Alec Finlay – a book charting astronomical events over the next century. Some of the events that will be taking place in this stellar calendar include a 'near miss' between Earth and an asteroid in 2029 and the next appearance of Halley's Comet, in 2061.
"To me what the astronomers are doing is very poetic, as they look at the unique affiliation between space and time; the universe is probably the biggest thing we ever consider and it is impossible to comprehend how vast and far away the stars actually are," commented Alec.
"The whole Kielder Observatory experience is a wonderful reminder how small our part is in terms of the cosmos."
The diary is available to buy from the Forestry Commission shop at Kielder Castle, and will be on special offer over the opening weekend.
Other artists who have completed works to mark the new facility are Layla Curtis and US artist Simparch.
The new timber building, situated on the hilltop of Black Fell, was designed by Charles Barclay Architects, following a RIBA competition.
After the launch events, public access to the Observatory can be arranged through the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society.
The Kielder Observatory has been funded by the Northumberland Strategic Partnership via Single Programme funds from One NorthEast Tourism, European Regional Development Fund, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, Forestry Commission, Northern Rock Foundation and the Kielder Partnership with support from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and Arts Council England.
