STAFF and 50 invited guests celebrated a special day for the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO) in Dalmellington.

October 5 marked five years since the opening of the Observatory itself but, to add to the occasion, the trustees were delighted to announce the formal opening of the new planetarium dome.

Mr John L Duncan CVO QPM, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and  Arran performed the official ceremony, accompanied by his wife Jess, after which guests enjoyed a planetarium presentation.

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It is anticipated that the planetarium will attract many additional visitors to Dalmellington from all over the UK and across the world, boosting tourism and helping to regenerate the area.

As an important educational resource, the planetarium will benefit the local community and a much larger public audience of stargazers, amateur astronomers, schools, colleges and universities. 

Viewing will not merely be restricted to night time — daytime visitors can enjoy stellarium presentations and live-time links with telescopes and observatories in many other parts of the world.

Among the guests was Mark Gibson, Trustee of the SDSO and owner of nearby Craigengillan Estate, who said the opening was a cause for celebration by young and old alike, which promised much for this ‘special part of Scotland’.

Mr Duncan added: "I am absolutely delighted to return to the Observatory to formally open the planetarium. It is a marvellous achievement for the trustees, manager and astronomer, all of whom have given much time and energy to make the project a success. 

“I know the planetarium will be a valuable addition to the Observatory experience and will be of great support in ongoing plans for the continued regeneration of the wider community."

SDSO manager Fi McClelland also announced the launch of an official Dark Sky tartan.

David Warrington, resident astronomer at the SDSO said: “This is a very welcome new educational resource for the SDSO, allowing us to present indoor views of the night sky and immersive planetarium experiences.”