Installed late last year, Boar said the concrete pads provide a sturdy base for stargazers, while there is a strong vantage point to the south, which follows the path of viewable planets.
“You need a nice, solid, stable platform for that; it’s just really to establish somewhere the public knows where they can go to see the night sky.”
So far, Boar said, reviews have been strong of the recently added dark-sky location.
Nanaimo Astronomy Society has hosted several viewing gatherings at the park, Boar said, including organizations such as the Scouts, Girl Guides, science groups, and other local organizations hoping to learn more about the galaxy.
“Most people have never looked through a telescope, so they’re blown away when they see Jupiter or Saturn through a telescope.”
As part of the pilot project, interpretive signage has been installed at the site.
Finding a suitable dark-sky location in a suitable, accessible location hasn’t been easy, Boar said, who pointed to Nanaimo’s growing urban light dome as a constant challenge.
“Unfortunately, it’s been very difficult for us to find really dark skies near Nanaimo. You generally have to head out to the coast, which is why we’re very happy that the City has worked with us to establish somewhere that the public can at least enjoy reasonably dark skies.”
Stating galaxies and other hard-to-spot deep space features typically require trips to isolated areas, Boar said most people who’ve engaged with their organization are interested in spotting and learning more about planets.
He said an investment in the $400 to $500 range will produce a long-lasting, reliable planet-spotting telescope.
Boar said hopefully the night-sky initiative at Piper’s Lagoon Park will lead to a permanent Urban Star Park designation from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
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