A LEADING astronomy visitor attraction under world-renowned dark skies has submitted plans for a major new facility which will transform space tourism in the North-East and enhance its distance learning offer about the universe.

Kielder Observatory is looking to create a radio astronomy facility, and is seeking planning permission from Northumberland County Council to site a new, five-metre-diameter, Spider 500 radio telescope.

Radio astronomy is an observing technique that is weather independent and delivers important observations that have supported the Big Bang theory and discovered new objects, such as pulsars.

Catherine Johns, CEO of Kielder Observatory, said the move into radio astronomy would allow Kielder to contribute to worldwide scientific research, attract university research into Northumberland and develop its remote outreach activities.

She said: “This investment would make a dramatic difference to our astronomy offer, especially now when people are understandably reluctant to travel, as it would mean you can access the observatory remotely.

“A school child in Sunderland or Darlington, for example, would be able to experience Kielder without setting foot here.

“We can use it for citizen science projects and engage a wide variety of audiences in STEM, inspiring and illuminating career pathways and providing student placements and apprenticeship opportunities. It’s an exciting time in the history of Kielder Observatory.”