Whitby & District Astronomical Society

WDAS members travelled over to the new Danby Lodge observatory to take a closer look at the facility and hear proposals on the operation of its running. Keith and Mark were joined by Alan Bentley, meeting up with Richard, Brian, Paul Woods and John McCue at Danby Lodge on a grey, grizzly and damp day, not the kind of weather anyone will be wanting when the observatory is fully operational.

First checking in on Neil from Outsideology who was busy with minor snagging jobs and tidying up in the observatory, we went in search of Jonathan Green - the Park's Moor Restoration Officer, our contact that day. Having kindly sorted some warm beverages, we sat down around the table of the Lodges main presentation room to listen to proposals.   

The session proved useful with a number of questions regarding how the observatory was likely to operate, hire costs, bookings, protocols etc, addressed.  Some items were not fully resolved and will be ironed out in due course. These will be discussed at WDAS's February meeting on the 3rd.  These will be discussed at WDAS's February meeting on the 3rd. 

Returning to the observatory, Neil gave us the tour. For some WDAS members present it was their first time seeing the observatory an for all, the first occasion inside. The facility is very impressive, Neal clearly very proud of the completed structure and installed technology. 

The presentation room can seat 25+ and houses an 86" tv monitor with HDMI connectivity. A large cupboard in one corner is home to the chairs, a lectern and other equipment. The south and west walls have eye catching floor to ceiling images of local views and landmarks with a large full moon superimposed and inspiring text. Lighting, heating, ventilation and sound systems are all adaptable, discreetly installed in the ceiling and wall pelmet and can be controlled via an app.  Both the colour rendering and brightness of lighting can be adjusted to suit the environment needs, or mood when being used. 

An interconnecting passage between presentation and the observing room itself doubles as further storage space for additional telescopes and some larger tables. The observatory room houses the Celestron C11 edge telescope - complete with strain wave head and pillar stand, independently anchored to the ground and not just sat on the floor. Removable hatches around the pillar base allow access to power points and IT connectivity modules. Again, discreet lighting is present - controllable of course. 

The run-off roof is a marvel, which despite weighing several tons can be pushed open with one hand, having first been unlocked on the inside. Hard to believe, but effortlessly demonstrated by Neil, despite the drizzle. Even the run-off beams and posts are beautifully finished. 

There was some discussion about the large, clear, door in the room - people walking into it, however, it is likely to have some kind of stencilling, or print - perhaps lunar orientated to negate this possible issue. 

Outside, seating benches are provided on the hard standing paving area, but the ground around the rest of the observatory may require re-seeding. Neil assured us that the drainage was more than adequate and additional pathways to be laid will aid this, but it would likely take several months before all the landscaping looked the part. 

Talking to Neil, he believes that the facility is right up there with the most advanced in the UK, especially when it comes to energy efficiency and technology. We all agreed the facility will significantly enhance the North Yorkshire Moors National Park's capacity in boosting astro-tourism, attracting visitors from near and far.  All that is required is some weather befitting a Dark Sky Reserve location - whether we shall see any this side of Easter is in the lap of the gods!   

The official opening is on February 13th, with event dates now bookable.