Onlookers were very impressed as 22 sizeable stones of pink granite made their way through Rylstone from Ulan Quarry on Mud Hut Creek Road to the outskirts of Rylstone last week for a new astronomy landscaping project. It was a mammoth effort with many semi-loads required to complete the job.
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This was the culmination of years of co-operative effort between dedicated community members, district businesses and the expertise of a range of contributors including IT specialists, photographers, astro-photographers, astronomy practitioners and local professionals from many fields who all pulled together for this huge task.
The stones will eventually form a working solar and lunar observatory using the principles of archeo-astronomy (the study of pre-industrial astronomy, before the use of telescopes and other technical instruments). It will be a work of exquisite precision, based on scientific and mathematical rigour.
A spokesperson said there are other astronomical observatories in the district which are an important part of this “dark sky” region of New South Wales - one reason why it attracts astronomers to the area.
“The site is on high ground and is in the centre of a circle of mountains - a perfect opportunity to observe the sky and horizon distinct to this location. The future site will be a place of learning, where science, mathematics, history and culture come alive.
“Opportunities exist to educate future generations in the art and history of “astronomy before telescopes”, astronomy before computer simulations such as Stellarium and the many phone apps that are on offer. The ability to use all our senses for an exercise in observational science will be this project's unique offering.”
Although a private endeavour, a spokesperson said the public will be regularly informed of educational opportunities - available by invitation only.