Dark Sky Observatory - the first official night sky park in Northern Ireland
On limited occasions we have had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a deeply clean sky , clear, with stars that project their luminosity to the most remote places, and magic makes an appearance. A sky of these characteristics is an unquestionable oasis of serenity and calm , one who dares to stop time and perpetuate that moment.
And although there are fewer and fewer spaces where we can conceive a experience of this caliber, either due to the consequences that come with light or environmental pollution, Dark Sky Observatory , the new construction under the stars in Davagh Forest, Northern Ireland , is willing to reverse this situation.
Construction of the observatory began in February 2019
Located in the surroundings of cookstown and at the foot of the Sperrin mountains, this observatory will open its doors to the public on Friday, April 3, 2020 , combining holographic installations, virtual reality experiences and a telescope that will allow astronomical phenomena to be admired in a unique way.
DARK SKY OBSERVATORY
Construction began just over a year ago, in February 2019, thanks to an investment of 500,000 pounds (almost 600,000 euros) provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), which is governed by the rural development program of the European Union for the period 2014-2020.
But the implementation was in charge of the Council of the Mid-Ulster District and they have decided that the new center uses the latest technologies, housing a observatory, an exhibition and a telescope that will allow us to explore our solar system.
Through a 14 inch telescope the particularities of the surroundings and the constellations will be captured, with a built-in retractable roof that simultaneously reproduces those same images in the observatory.
The observatory will host an exhibition and a 14-inch telescope
Davagh is one of the few places that boasts a dazzling night sky and of course, free of contamination and immersed in a privileged natural environment. This is due, in part, to the awareness campaign promoted by Colm O'Brien 20 years ago and the creation of the foundation Dark Sky in 2003, which constantly seeks to protect the skies from Ireland of light pollution.
Moreover, this forest will be the only official dark sky park in Northern Ireland , and number 78 in the world, since there are 77 international parks with surprising and privileged views.
In addition, on certain dates it will be possible to attend night shows and events , as well as outdoor activities for the little ones.
Without a doubt, Dark Sky Observatory will offer from April 3, 2020 the possibility of enjoying the heaven like you've rarely seen before.
A sky rarely seen in Northern Ireland