Blue Collar Scientist

A story in the BBC has brought Kielder Observatory to my attention. And I’m just a wee bit jealous that I’m not visiting there.

Mind you, I’ve been around the block a bit when it comes to observatories. I’ve visited, mostly to work at, every major observatory in North America. I’ve spent more time than I deserve on Kitt Peak, and I’ve even had the opportunity to take at turn at the WIYN 3.5 meter controls:

But not before having taken a few shots of the observatory beforehand:

So I’ve spent quite a bit of time in some beautiful places, working with some cutting-edge telescopes, at locations that few people ever get to visit in the behind the scenes way that I’ve been privileged, and lucky beyond words, to experience.

And yet, something about Kielder Observatory has me wanting to cash all this in and go have a look at their facility.

Granted, their telescope specification really puts me to sleep (yes, I’m now a damned elitist, I guess):

• Pulsar Optical Skywalker 20″ Split-ring equatorial telescope
• Meade 14″ GPS UHTC LX200 Telescope

Well, I love the split ring design. Other than that, you’ll find me hanging out most of the time outside the observatory, giving other people their chance.

But everything else about this place just knocks my socks off.

The chosen site is on Black Fell (OS Map ref: NY 610932), approximately one mile west of Kielder Village….

Black Fell. Just think of the possibilities here:

“So where are you observing next week?”

“Oh, I’m going up to Black Fell.”

So much more romantic sounding than “Kitt Peak.” Or “Mount Graham.”

And get this:

Night Watches

• Friday 25th April - ‘First Light’ – Kielder Observatory’s first Night Watch.
• Saturday 26th April - Night Watch

Yes, that mean’s they’ve just inaugurated the facility - but read on!

Participants will receive a guided tour of the Observatory, presentations from experienced astronomers and use the Observatory’s telescopes to explore the mysteries of the universe.

Starting Point: Kielder Castle 8.00pm

Ummmm, yeah. Your evening’s observing starts at a castle. I’ve never been to an observatory that involves a castle before! And here it is:

And it even has a minotaur maze:

Maybe it is just me - my family hails from Yorkshire (quite a ways south of Kielder, admittedly), and maybe I have a soft spot for this sort of thing. But one thing is for sure - if I’m ever in the north of England, or Scotland, I’ll be doing my best to take a detour to see this place.