Nelson Science Society fundraising for new telescope

The 135 year old, historic Cooke telescope, which is housed in the Cawthron Atkinson Observatory at Clifton Terrace School, is coming to the end of its useful life. It is being given back to the Cawthron Institute Trust Board where it will be put on permanent display. 

The Nelson Science Society (NSS) and their Astronomy Section are fundraising for a new telescope – something like a 14" Celestron or Meade - which will give them nearly 8 times more light gathering capacity, enabling fainter objects like nebulae and galaxies to be seen in detail. The computer controlled mount will enable quicker location of astronomical targets, freeing up the astronomers to spend more time educating the public about what they are seeing. 

The NSS and it's Astronomy Section have already raised $12,500 from a target of $15,000. People can donate by:

• going to their Givealittle page at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/fund1telescope. Your donation will be eligible for tax credit. 
• If you'd rather send the NSS a donation directly, email Jenny Pollock at nelson.sci.soc@gmail.com and she'll send you the banking details.