A WINDOW into space will be opened on Wearside when the area's first pubic observatory is unveiled.
The observatory at Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, on Wearside, will house a professional 12in diameter telescope bought from Durham University's physics department.
It will be opened on October 2 by Sir Arnold Wolfendale, who was Astronomer Royal from 1991 to 1994, and will provide exceptional views of the moon and planets.
As part of a drive by the Sunderland Astronomical Society to raise the profile of astronomy among young Wearsiders, programmes are being prepared to promote interest among schools and colleges, with observing time and basic astronomy instruction.
In addition to the main telescope, others will be available at viewing times - and, in cloudy weather, there will be exhibitions, demonstrations and video screenings.
The telescope has been bought as part of the astronomical society's Project Cygnus, utilising its labour and expertise to raise funds.
The three-metre dome is already in place, with work to prepare for the telescope's installation proceeding on schedule.
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