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04
Oct 2022
Planetarium could open in Harrogate district next month
A three-year project to create a planetarium in the Harrogate district could come to fruition next month.
The planetarium is based at the Lime Tree Observatory at Grewelthorpe, near Ripon.
The observatory, which opened to the public in 2016, has a 24-inch telescope, screen and sound system and hosts presentations for up to 25 people
Self-confessed planetarium geek Martin Whipp and several other enthusiasts are now close to finalising their latest ambitious venture. It will be one of only about 20 fixed planetariums in the country, and the closest for miles around.
A barn has been converted but the electricity supply needs upgrading before the project can start, and Mr Whipp said he hoped this might happen by mid-November.
Mr Whipp has been to about 100 planetariums around the world and even booked a cruise on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 because it has a planetarium.
Martin Whipp
He said the one at Grewelthorpe would be an interactive facility rather than "one where someone just presses play and you watch".
But because all those involved are volunteers, it will be open mostly for private bookings at set times.
The observatory is holding three Halloween-themed events during half-term at the end of the month as part of the Dark Skies Festival.
All three have sold out, but the observatory plans to stage three more Christmas-themed events on December 19, 20 and 21.
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