Galloway Astronomy Centre

Meeting a Personal Hero – 30^th March 2008. West Yorkshire AS hosted Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin to talk about his Moon landing experience in July 1969. The Apollo missions inspire me to look at the Moon and the Night Sky, which lead eventually to the GAC. Click HERE for an image of Buzz Aldrin during the book signings. Previous speakers have been Alan Bean (Apollo 12) and Charlie Duke (Apollo 16).

Financial Times Article – The GAC was chosen as part of an article regarding niche marketing within the B&B sector. Of course, while we do provide accommodation for our guest our primary function is to provide telescopes and guidance so our guests learn about astronomy. To read the article click HERE.

Astronomica Open Day - One of the most exciting things to come out of the SPA Stirling event was discussing with Richard of Astronomica about hosting them for a weekend event at the Centre in late August or September this year. The aim will be to allow people to see the equipment in the daytime and then try it out at night. Astronomica have a range of quality telescopes and eyepieces at fantastic prices.

Unique in Scotland, the Centre is located in open farmland with a night sky free of light pollution.

Viewing the planets, nebulae or galaxies from a dark sky site is something to remember. A primary aim of the Centre is to provide as much help and guidance regardless of a guest’s experience so you get the most out of a visit.

Experience for yourself our friendly hospitality and truly dark skies.

If you are just getting interested in astronomy a short break at the Centre can give you a great start in the hobby. Our rates are exceptional value as we offer:

· A range of quality telescopes

· Free help and guidance with observing

· Free advise for buying a telescope

If you already own a telescope we also offer:

· Free checking of your telescope’s optics

· Free help with setting up your telescope

For more details click HERE

It is very important to us that guests get the most out of observing. We will not leave you struggling in the dark with an unfamiliar telescope. We are always on hand to provide any help you may need. We also give "real sky" planetarium tours.

Can't decide when to book?

Click HERE to see a list of what is happening in the night sky in 2008

Observing Highlights

Mercury Returns

Elusive Mercury makes a welcome return to our western horizon through May.

It is relatively faint compared to the other planets due to always being seen at twilight. Currently a binocular object it will soon be easily seen with the unaided eye.

The Centre will be taking part in this Scotland wide project which will promote the nation's dark skies and use astronomy as a tool to introduce children to science as a future career.

Making astronomy accessible to all has been an aim of the Galloway Astronomy Centre

since it opened in 2004.

Accommodation Providers click HERE

To learn more about Dark Sky Scotland click HERE

Gift Vouchers

Looking for a present for the amateur astronomer in your life?

We can provide gift vouchers for one night or several nights to suit your needs.

Need Advice on Telescopes?

If you need help with buying a telescope call us for free and unbiased advice.

Special Guests

GAC has the darkest skies!

According to the Philip's Dark Skies Map of Britain produced in association with the Campaign for Dark Skies our location in Dumfries & Galloway has been given a maximum rating for it's dark skies.

Click HERE to learn more

Spaceweather.com provides information on Sunspots and Aurora

Orion over the cottage

(This is not a double exposure)

With the observatory roof open the

16" Reflector is ready for the night

All astronomy activity is undertaken at your own risk

Galloway is packed with 6,000 years of history and has plenty to keep all the family occupied during the day and the astronomers happy at night.

For larger groups we can arrange extra accommodation locally.

Please note the cottage is non-smoking throughout,

but you may smoke outside.

Site Updates

New Christmas Comet Page – Aug 07

Aurora added to Events Page – 7^th Sept 07

Comet Holmes Report and Pictures – 22^nd Nov 2007

Atlas Rocket Fuel Dump added to Events Page – 28^th Nov 2007

2007 Review and Future Events Page updated for 2008

Aurora Gallery Page added – Jan 08

This website is regularly updated so please call back. Last update: 9^th April 2008

If you have any problems or find any broken links please contact the webmaster

Galloway Astronomy Centre - Lat: 54:43:26N Long: 4:28:32W

Height above sea level 84m

All images are copyright – M Alexander unless otherwise stated

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