‘The Kielder Forest experience’, was the title of the presentation given to society members at the October monthly meeting. Mr Robert Williams from Huddersfield Astronomy society, who is also, volunteer at the Keilder forest observatory.
Mr Williams explained that the location was chosen, as it is a pristine location to observe the night sky, as it is free of any light pollution. It has clear unobstructed views to all directions and is one of the best places to view the Milky Way,
Constructed In Douglas fir with larch cladding in 2008. The pier like building has two rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck for private telescopes.
The turrets can be rotated through 350 degrees by a manually operated rack and pinion system.
The observatory generates its own electricity from a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels.
It was designed with the specific purpose for amateur astronomers and outreach work.
One of the permanent telescopes is a computer operated Meade 14 inch in the small turret, attached to a warm room where astronomers can operate it remotely, or give talks to groups of visitors. The other large turret houses a manual 20-inch split-ring equatorial telescope for the hands on experience, accessed by a circular ramp.
Mr Williams explained the Star camp and Stargazing events; and offered advice on local places to reside and other local amenities. He rounded off his presentation with a series of stunning photographs of deep sky objects that he had taken himself whilst on one of his many visits to the observatory.
The 14 inch computer operated Meade telescope.
The larger 20 inch telescope
The Milky Way as seen on a time lapse image from the observatory
