A galactic observatory turned to ash in last summer's bushfires has been resurrected in north-east Victoria.
It is hoped the new three-metre, dome-shaped observatory and accompanying star watcher at Tallangatta will bring visitors back after the fires and coronavirus dealt blows to the local economy.
Visitors to the observatory will be able to take in the Scorpio and Orion constellations in one of the clearest and brightest skies in Victoria.
"It's really exciting times and nearly a year in the making," said Tallangatta and District Astronomy Club secretary Mat Shields.
The club had plans to move the original observatory and telescope, based in Towong, to an open space in Tallangatta in January.
But on the very day the club were to move the kit, disastrous weather conditions set in.
"About two hours before we were about to pick up and disassemble, Corryong was cut off," Mr Shields said.
"The fire started and unfortunately it [the observatory] was destroyed, so that was a bit of a dashing of the dreams."
Astro-tourism bid
The COVID-19 pandemic offset further plans to have a new observatory built, but the club has now resurrected the dream at an open space in Tallangatta.
The cosy, three-metre high and wide circular dome has a tiny door painted black to keep the light out, and the roof opens and spins once a viewing begins.
Mr Shields said the time in isolation had encouraged more people to get into astronomy.
"There was no going out to dinner and no travelling, so you're left with your family and your house and backyard at night," he said.
"A lot of people ended up turning their heads to the sky and wondering what was up there."
The club now has a permanent base for visitors to enjoy the night sky, with its first public viewing night next month.
Mr Shields said there was a grand plan now to develop north-east Victoria into an astro-tourism destination.
"We have beautiful dark skies that stretch all the way between Wodonga and Corryong where you can see some amazing astronomical phenomena," he said.
"When you look up at the universe and know the mythological stories and the constellation names, and where they fit in with us, you have a sense of being a part of something bigger."
