Planning an airport observatory

Digby. Think ‘bright lights, big city’.

Well, no. Not unless you’re into astronomy, in which case even this small town’s nights can create a loom of light that masks the heavens.

That’s why a telescope that has set boxed and unused in Digby Regional High School may soon have a new home at the municipal airport.

The “state of the art” reflector was part of the equipment requested when planning was underway for the school, which opened in 2001.

Science teacher Greg Turner, who hopes to see the telescope finally put to use, said last week the original idea had been to build an observatory on the school roof, but the night sky in Digby just isn’t dark enough.

Instead, the plan, worked out with the Community Use of Schools Committee, the area recreation commission and the Municipality of Digby, is to erect a building at the airport and allow broader use of the telescope.

Bob Powell, recreation manager with Digby Area Recreation Commission, said last week that a ‘letter of interest’ has been sent the province’s Office of Health Promotion and Protection (formerly Sports Nova Scotia). He hopes the office will provide the minimal amount of financing—just $5,500—needed to construct the unheated building.

“We have commitments to construct it,” he said, with equipment use provided.

He admits financing a building for a telescope could be “a stretch” under the health promotion blanket, but adds, “It does get people outside and moving around.”

He expects an answer from the province within a month.

Along with the clearer skies at what is listed as Nova Scotia’s highest airport, the presence of the emergency dispatch centre also means the site has someone at the airport building every hour of the year.

“It’s probably the most secure place in the area, other than the police station,” said Powell.