By next spring the public will be able to view the stars from the new Astronomy Observatory being built near Wiarton by the Bluewater Astronomical Society.
John Hylnialuk, a former high school science teacher says that "the new observatory will be a unique facility -the largest roll-off roof observatory in Ontario. Programs there will highlight the exquisite dark skies that we have here in Grey-Bruce and promote a wonder of the heavens above. People will get an appreciation for the whole picture -the remarkable ecological environments that the centre features and tie that to the magnificent views of star clusters, the Milky Way and distant galaxies. It doesn't get much better than that!”
The Meaford Independent reported in January that the Bluewater Astronomical Society had raised sufficient funds to build the ES Fox Astronomy Centre at the Outdoor Education Centre site west of Wiarton.
Construction began on Oct 21,2010, and should be finished in January of 2011. Building costs for the observatory are expected to be $100,000 - $120,000. It will house a large twelve inch telescope donated by the University of Guelph.
The new facility will provide a wonderful opportunity for students and the general public to experience the beauty of the night sky.
Public observing nights are being scheduled for the spring of 2011, allowing everyone an opportunity to look through the large telescope.
