Kielder Observatory
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Kielder Observatory Organization Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society Location Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England Altitude 370 m (1,214 ft) Established 2008 Website
Kielder Observatory
20 inch 20 inch (508mm) Reflector 14 inch Meade 14 inch (355mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain 60mm Solar Telescope 60mm Coronado Solar Telescope
Kielder Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, England. It is situated close to the Scottish border on Black Fell near James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace. The site is comparatively excellent location being relatively free of Light pollution.
The design of the observatory is in keeping with the ethos of the forest, not only in style but also being environmentally friendly. This design is the result of a competition which was won[1] by Charles Barclay Architects, based in London UK. One key requirement of the observatory is that it should be in keeping with the surrounding forest and environmentally friendly, and as such it is solar and wind powered[2].
The observatory is administered by a group of volunteers who have collectively created the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society. Their aim is to bring astronomy to surrounding community.
The observatory was officially opened on the 25 April 2008 by Sir Arnold Wolfendale 14th Astronomer Royal.
The society hosts the Kielder Forest Star Camp each autumn[3].
