Astronomy group's ambitious plans for observatory in upper Teesdale

12:00am Friday 3rd January 2014 in News By Stuart Laundy, Reporter (Barnard Castle & Teesdale)

A GROUP of amateur astronomers are hoping to establish an observatory in rural County Durham so they can watch the sky at night.

Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society officials want to base the group in upper Teesdale.

They say remote parts of the dale offer some of the darkest skies in the region, creating the perfect conditions for stargazing.

The society was launched almost three years ago and has grown to more than 30 members.

Co-founder Duane Cox said the group currently met at Bishop Auckland Fire Station, with outdoor observations taking place at Grassholme Reservoir, in Teesdale.

We are looking for funding and we've got one or two sites in mind up in Teesdale, he said.

He said the next step would be to contact landowners to gauge support for the idea while efforts to secure cash were ongoing.

Mr Cox admitted that attracting funding would be difficult, as astronomy was not considered as popular and mainstream a pastime as other activities.

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Astronomy group's ambitious plans for observatory in upper Teesdale