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Kielder Observatory joins CaSE

11 Nov 2019

Kielder becomes the first observatory to join CaSE’s organisational membership

Commenting on the announcement, CaSE Executive Director Dr Sarah Main, said:

“We are very excited to welcome the Kielder Observatory to CaSE’s growing organisational membership.

The Kielder Observatory’s joining today underlines the broad diversity of our membership, across businesses, universities and colleges, professional bodies, trade unions, venture capital firms, research charities, and now, our first observatory member. CaSE’s ability to be an independent and authoritative voice into government is greatly enhanced by this breadth of support.

As a public observatory with focus on outreach work, the Kielder Observatory plays a vital role in sparking the scientific curiosity and wonder that lead many to a career in STEM and the successes that follow. We looks forward to harnessing these ambitions in making a renewed case to government for the investment, skills and support to help UK science reach for the stars.”

Catherine Johns, Chief Executive of the Kielder Observatory, said: 

“Kielder Observatory is one of only three Dark Sky Observatories in the UK: we are open 360 days a year, deliver over 730 events and we inspire, enthuse and educate over 19,000 visitors a year about the wonders of the universe. That moment of inspiration that our guests feel at Kielder can often be the catalyst for a future career in STEM so we greatly value the work of CaSE in keeping the STEM agenda front and centre in policymaking at national level.”

About the Observatory

Kielder Observatory is a public outreach astronomical facility located in Kielder Forest, in some of the darkest skies in Europe. Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is designated by the International Dark Sky Association. The site was chosen as one of the locations in the UK which has the least amount of intrusive light pollution.

The primary function of the observatory is outreach via public events. Our goal is to bring in members of the public of all ages from school children in primary school and upwards with an aim to engage in discussions and observations of the Universe. We do this in a way that is friendly, informative and interesting through our amazing team of astronomers, guest speakers and volunteers.