A Northumberland author officially unveiled a major part of a tourist attraction which has been named after a pioneering female astronomer.
LJ Ross, whose DCI Ryan books are set at various beauty spots in Northumberland and the wider North East, unveiled the newly named Caroline Herschel Turret at Kielder Observatory after being chosen to do so by supporters of Kielder Observatory. The ceremony formed part of the observatory's 15th anniversary and aimed to celebrate women in science.
Caroline Herschel was the first woman to receive a salary as a scientist and discovered several comets. Alongside her brother William, who was Court Astronomer to George III, they uncovered more than 2,400 astronomical objects over 20 years.
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Caroline was later awarded a gold medal from the Royal Astronomical Society and was elected an Honorary Member in 1835 for her work.
LJ Ross said: "The Dark Sky area is a place that carries a special significance for me. The magical Kielder Forest and its stunning observatory have played a huge part in nurturing my fascination of the night sky and has inspired my writing and career – both as the location for my 2017 DCI Ryan mystery Dark Skies, which was a #1 bestseller in the UK, and as the name of my publishing house, Dark Skies Publishing.
"I was extremely honoured to be invited to officially rename the turret and particularly enthused by their decision to pay tribute to such an inspirational and iconic figure. Beyond her many contributions to astronomy, Caroline Herschel was a trailblazer of women’s rights who battled against prejudice her whole life to earn her rightful place among her peers. I can’t think of a more fitting homage to one of astronomy’s pioneering female heroes."
Kielder Observatory puts on more than 700 events per year, carries out outreach projects in schools across the North East and attracts around 20,000 people. It is located in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park in Europe, the largest "gold tier" area of protected night sky in Europe.
Hannah Matterson, director of operations and marketing at Kielder Observatory, said: "We’re an organisation which actively supports women in STEM and we love to inspire the next generation to get involved in astronomy and science. Caroline Herschel was one of the most prominent female scientists in the country in the late 1700s, and she seemed the perfect person to name our second turret after and to celebrate her contribution to science.
"LJ Ross’s name came up again and again when we asked our supporters who should officially rename the turret. We know she has a love of the dark skies around Northumberland and is passionate about the North East, as we are. We’re so pleased she could be with us for the ceremony."
