Scottish Dark Sky Observatory

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Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, night sky, Dec 2017.jpg
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Organization Dark Sky Observatory Group Ltd
Location (formerly), Loch Doon, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Coordinates 55°17′28″N4°24′17″W / 55.29111°N 4.40472°W / 55.29111; -4.40472
Altitude253 m (830 ft)
Established2012 (destroyed by fire 2021)
Website Dark Sky Observatory
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Location of Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
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The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory was an astronomical observatory designed by Glasgow Architects G.D. Lodge located near Loch Doon Loch Doon, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It was situated on a hilltop site near the village of 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, enjoying relatively low levels of light pollution.

The observatory was constructed during 2012 and was officially opened by the then First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond. [1] The building and facilities were extended in 2017 by a design team led by Beecher Architect with the addition of a planetarium, officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran John Duncan. [2] . [3] [4] [5]

The SDSO was open year round with its principal aim being to encourage people of all ages and abilities to learn about and experience the wonders of astronomy and space. It was a valuable and unique educational asset for the region. [6]

The SDSO suffered a devastating fire during the early hours of 23 June 2021. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious. [7]

In late 2023, following the results of an independent feasibility study, the Board of Trustees of the SDSO confirmed that, for a number of reasons, the observatory will not be rebuilt on its former site.

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The Ayr and Dalmellington Railway was a railway company in Scotland, which connected the growing ironworks community around Dalmellington with Ayr, in Ayrshire, Scotland. Its route was originally planned by the Ayrshire and Galloway Railway as part of a scheme to link Ayr with Castle Douglas, but lack of funds limited the construction to a very short section connecting the iron and coal pits of the Dalmellington Iron Company with its iron works, opening in 1849.

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The Loch Doon Aerial Gunnery School Railway was a standard gauge military freight carrying line that ran the 1.4 miles (2 km) between a junction with the Ayr and Dalmellington Railway near Dalmellington to a terminus at Dalfarson on the Craigengillan Estate, East Ayrshire. No passenger carriages are recorded.

References

  1. ↑ "Dark Sky Observatory 'stunning'". 5 October 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. 30 March 2016.
  4. ↑ "Where are the best spots to go stargazing in Scotland?". 3 April 2017 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  5. ↑ Ma, Laura (12 March 2014). "Dark skies: 23 best places in the world to stargaze". CNN Travel.
  6. ↑ Houston, Stephen (20 April 2018). "Lovebird couple make history with their wedding". dailyrecord.
  7. ↑ Wilson, Stuart (23 June 2021). "Dark Sky Observatory destroyed by devastating 'suspicious' fire". Daily Record. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
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