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[mojocvh]

Hi folks

Took a wee 320 mile detour last night down to Galloway to the Dark Skies Observatory.

www.scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk/

Self, along with other members of the Central Scotland Observation Group and obs buddy Davie had a night session booked.

However you guessed it, the clouds rolled in and apart from a couple of wee breaks in the clouds the night was scuppered by the cloud gods.

However, the observatory is in an ideal location to capitalize on the Galloway Forest Dark Sky park to the South, one of the few areas with truly DARK skies left in our crowded wee island.

Please take a look at the provided link, they have only been fully up and running since Jan this year. A point to note are the piers that run down into the bedrock. Telescopes consist of a small14" Schmidt Cassegrain on an equatorial mount and a 20" Dall Kirkham on an equatorial mount (in the dome). Both pictured on the web page with observatory info as well.

All in all a good night.

All the best

Mo.









No that isn't Mo

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Andy,

That is one handsome lookin' set-up there.

I hope you can go back and view thru it and tell us about your experience at the eyepiece.

Very cool.

[mojocvh]

Aye Joe, had a wee looksie at the moon through the 20" with a 13mm Ethos......

Actually I'm quite glad it clouded over in some respects, as the song goes, "it's a long way to the top if ya gotta rock and roll"

No, seriously, one of those Astro moments you cherish..

cheers

Mo.

[patrickm]

WOW! Hope you can get back there. Clouds...predictable.

[Paulie pchris00]

Very cool. Let us know if you go back there on a clear night.

[mojocvh]

Unfortunately it appears that the Dark Skies Observatory has been the victim of an arson attack which has led to 100% destruction.

Sad times for Scottish astronomy.