The sky’s the limit
Bid could beat the weather
An outer space observatory is to overcome cloudy and rainy nights which wreck viewing planets and stars.
Instead the wonders of our galaxy will be projected inside a planetarium.
The system will be so good that images from observatories all around the world can be beamed in live.
It ’ s a major coup for the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory near Dalmellington.
If plans are approved the new building could open as early as next year.
Details have been lodged with East Ayrshire Council by observatory trustees.
Craigengillan Estate laird Mark Gibson, who owns the hilltop site, has already revealed enough funds have been raised through the observatory charity.
The planetarium could be up and running as quickly as March.
Mark also revealed major upgrades have also been made to the winding hill road which allows cars to easily reach the centre.
And he said: “We will be able to project live images from our own telescope and more importantly others from different parts of the world.
“On a cloudly night people will be able to be in the planetarium and will be so effective people will come out thinking they have been under a real sky.
“During the day we could project the Australian night sky or at night here stand under the Norwegian sky.
“We have a great astronomer and manager here and have managed to increase the number of visitors each year.
“This is us entering the second planned phase here and we would hope everything is complete by the end of March.”
The plans show a circular room with a picture window at one end and an unusual vaulted roof.
Folding doors then lead to a new sales area and exhibition space.
It will adjoin one end of the observatory, which enjoys spectacular views from its two telescopes thanks to the lack of light on the edge of the Galloway forest.
The planetarium will have a projector in one corner, beaming the night sky onto the ceiling - a perfect concave dome.
The Tru s t e e s o f the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory had hit a fund raising target to build the addition to the observatory, which opened four years.
Staff expect significantly more visitors to enjoy the new facility in all weathers and times of day.
At the moment there is a touring inflatable dome which can accommodate about 40 people, but that is chiefly for schools and cannot be hoisted at the windy observatory.
The new planetarium will be clad in wood to blend into the setting.
It is currently being considered by East Ayrshire councillors.