AboutThe Observatory

A proposal in 2015 for Moffat to obtain Dark Sky Community Status, through what was then the International Dark Sky Association IDA was submitted by our very own Jim Patterson and achieved in 2016 (see more in our Dark Skies page). During the progress of the proposal local meeting were held and this brought together some local astronomy enthusiasts. These meetings and the Dark Sky proposal inspired the creation of Moffat Astronomy Club and proposals for a Community Observatory.   

Building on the successful application for dark sky status of the town. A grant was applied for and approved by the South Of Scotland Electricity Renewables. These grants formed part of the Clyde Wind Farm Moffat Construction Fund for hosting windmills. This initial grant award was enough to begin designing and planning the Observatory. There was a long way to go though and it could not have possible without the commitment of all our Members and the massive support from local volunteers and businesses.

Part of this planning process was selecting the best site to erect the Observatory. Several locations were investigated and considered. Obviously the perfect site would have been up in the Gallow Hills far from any stray light and high enough to avoid any low lying mist which inevitably forms in cold Scottish winter evenings. This though would have left us isolated and difficult to access. When the whole point was to provide access to the night sky and maximise engagement this was quickly ruled out. Instead we did pretty much the opposite. Thanks to a very generous local landowner Robert Smith and his associates we were granted permission to erect the Observatory in his field on the outskirts of the town (see Google Map Link). The site is adjacent to the local school and busy caravan park and easily amenable to all of the towns residents. Despite our proximity to these facilities our site is still dark enough to see those elusive Galaxies and Nebulas.

 Whist many people helped get the project up and running. The main contributors in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the Observatory. Are pictured here with Catherine Heymans. From Left to Right.