Construction is underway on a 150 thousand dollar astronomical observatory at the Outdoor Education Centre located near Oliphant on the Bruce Peninsula.
Bluewater Astronomical Society Vice President John Hlynialuk says the concrete foundations and walls of the building have been poured and work will soon begin on the roof.
He says this building is referred to as a roll off roof observatory where the roof literally rolls off to the north exposing a large 24 foot square area inside with an unobstructed view of the night time sky.
Hlynialuk says their main observation tool will be a large 12 inch telescope donated to the society by the University of Guelph.
He says there also will be room for Astronomical Society members to set up their own telescopes in the building at the same time.
The Centre will be used for astronomy education by the students of the Bluewater District School Board.
The Bluewater Astronomical Society also has plans for public observing as well as member use of the facility.
Hlynialuk public observing nights are being scheduled for next year where anyone can have a look through the large telescope.
Construction of the observatory is expected to be completed by January, and it should be fully operational by late spring.
Half of the cost of the facility was covered by a 75 thousand dollar grant from ES Fox Ltd. to commemorate their 75th anniversary in business.
