Mills Observatory was just featured in the Times in a new piece by Gabriella Bennett which looked at the venue’s importance to the city alongside looking ahead to its future.
The feature painted a very vivid picture of the historic venue perched atop Balgay Hill as a beacon for stargazers and those seeking to explore the wonders of the cosmos.
The thing about space is that it goes on forever. The thing about Mills Observatory is that it will not.
Bennett visited the observatory which captured a magical evening under the papier-mâché dome, one of only two remaining in the UK.
Led by resident astronomer Robert, the historic telescope at the observatory brought celestial views into view from the volcanic surface of Venus to the iconic rings of Saturn and its moon Titan.
Bennett mentions their collective wonder, standing on a viewing platform together, looking upwards in awe at Jupiter, Mars, and the intricately pockmarked craters of the moon.
It further outlines the role of the observatory within Dundee's cultural and scientific landscape, the place where everybody can reflect on space-bound endless wonders, even though Mills Observatory has long featured as a key fixture for both locals and tourists; however, Bennett reminds readers, its future has come into question following last year's discussion of possible closure.
A petition and funding from a space tech company have secured its immediate future but continued public support is vital for its survival.
Visitor number surge during ‘rollercoaster season’
Visitor numbers at the observatory have recently surged during the 2024/25 season, up a remarkable 127% on previous years.
The boom has been attributed to heightened awareness through social media campaigns and the widespread publicity surrounding its potential closure, which brought thousands through its doors.
Notably, Dundee Culture was the first news outlet to promote the season, driving early interest and engagement.
As Bennett recalls, Mills Observatory was always a place of inspiration. Here, in 1969, people gathered and watched the event of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon. Today it is still that place where persons can come with a desire to connect something with the Universe and dream of other worlds.
The feature in The Times is a powerful testament to the enduring appeal and importance of the observatory; it underlines the need for the unique institution to be supported.
With alignment of six planets and close approaches by Venus and Saturn coming along in the next couple of months alongside a partial solar eclipse, this is an exciting time at the observatory for that experience of awe when gazing upward in the night sky, especially during the observatory’s 90th anniversary.
Mills Observatory remains open for the 2024/25 season up until March 31 to the public.
Comments