Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

NEW OBSERVATORY OPENS IN CYPRESS HILLS INTERPROVINCIAL PARK

Released on August 24, 2011

Visitors to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park will be seeing stars as the new observatory complex officially opens on Thursday, August 25.

The observatory complex, completed by Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and the Friends of Cypress Hills, builds on the park's reputation as a Dark-Sky Preserve and one of the very best astronomical viewing sites in North America.

"With the opening of this facility, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the wonders of the night sky in a beautiful and unique setting," Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Bill Hutchinson said. "This facility is an excellent addition to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of The Friends of Cypress Hills Inc."

The observatory includes a Dome Observatory with a 60 seat Yurt classroom and outside telescope platforms. There are also two telescopes (a 14 inch Celestron donated by The Friends of Cypress Hills Inc. and a 12 inch Dobsonian provided by the park). Plans are underway for the extension of the existing astronomy education programs, and an Astronomer-in-Residence program.

"Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is one of the most wondrous places in Canada, and we are excited to be able to showcase it with this facility," CEO of The Friends of Cypress Hills Inc. Gerald Gartner said. "The park and their staff offer excellent interpretive programs and we are confident that with the opening of the observatory they will become even more popular."

The observatory is located next to the Dark Sky campground and will be used to educate school children and visitors about the universe, environmental protection and energy conservation. It will also play an important part in the annual Star Party that welcomes tourists from around North America and Europe. The grand opening celebrations are being held as part of the 15th annual Saskatchewan Summer Star Party.

Note to media: The grand opening and ribbon cutting event will take place at the Observatory in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park on Thursday, August 25th at 3:00 p.m.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Tiffany Stephenson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: tiffany.stephenson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: (306) 550-5927

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve