Matt Visits Stargaze Nova Scotia as John Read’s Observatory Project Takes Shape
- afternoonpint
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Watch Matts Recent Visit via YouTube
An Afternoon Pint Recapped, - Astronomer John Read from Afternoon Pint episodes 38 & 66
Matt recently visited Stargaze Nova Scotia, and the video is worth watching if you have been following John Read’s work or if you are interested in seeing how a man brought his vision of creating a Nova Scotian Observatory to life.
John has been working toward building an astro-tourism and education site near Prospect Road, not far from Peggy’s Cove. His goal is to create a place where people can explore space in an area where some of the darkest, non light polluted skies are in the province.
John told us on the Afternoon Pint almost two years ago when the project was still in the planning stage. At the time, he explained that he had land, permits in motion, and plans to move the Abbey Ridge Observatory to the site. Matt’s visit gives you an inside glimpse to see the project taking shape.
John’s broader mission through Learn to Stargaze has been about making astronomy more accessible. The site is designed to give families, students, teachers, amateur astronomers, and tourists access to another part of Nova Scotia that few get to experince in this fashion.
Light pollution continues to reduce what people can see from cities and suburbs.
CBC recently covered neighbours challenging the Halifax-area stargazing facility, and one of the more frustrating details involves a neighbour reportedly shining a very bright LED light toward the observatory. It is a strange situation. An observatory depends on darkness, so pointing a strong light at it directly interferes with the purpose of the site. Neighbours are entitled to raise concerns, and development should always be handled properly, but trying to disrupt a stargazing facility with a bright light feels unnecessary and counterproductive. Certainly not Canadian friendly.
Hopefully, the concerns can be worked through in a reasonable way. Stargaze Nova Scotia has the potential to be a positive addition to the area, not only for astronomy fans, but for families, schools, tourists, and anyone who wants to experience the night sky in a more meaningful way.
Cool to see Johns vision come to life, Maybe there was something special in those Galaxy IPA's we all drank the first time he came on our show. Congratulations to John and then check out his work at www.learntostargaze.com/
Comments