It was love that was written in the stars for a Hamilton Township couple.
Carolyn Wood and David Doherty met in 2001.
A fitting year for the now married couple who have a passion for star gazing.
In 1968, the epic science fiction film, 2001:A Space Odyssey was released.
Doherty had just bought his first telescope when the couple met in 2001 and their space odyssey has only increased along with their collection of powerful telescopes.
Dortwood Observatory was created at their home on Burnham Street just south of Camborne.
“I’ve loved the stars since I can remember,” said Wood.
“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing.”
Their garage is filled with information and interactive displays about the universe.
In the backyard houses a sky shed pod which holds the strongest of the telescopes in the couples collection.
Doherty is the technical person of the relationship, while Wood enjoys being the gazer.
“We come out as often as we can, but I work full-time so the long nights of summer make it more difficult because it doesn’t get dark to later in the evening.”
“But any clear night we can we are out here. And if we’re not looking through the telescopes, we are laying on the chaise lounge staring.”
Approximately five years ago, they decided to share their passion for the stars by having an open house once a month from April to November (weather permitting).
“We’ve done youth groups, scouts, private parties, people call and ask if they can bring someone from out of town.”
“If it’s a clear night, they’re more then welcome,” said Wood.
People, young and old have visited and are amazed at what they learn and see.
“We have a lot of people who come frequently and mostly the reaction is just awe. It’s wonderful.”
From Saturn, to Jupiter and of course the moon what people will see has endless possibilities.
One inspirational five-year-old child named Damon has been interested in the stars since he was two.
Wood says she has no doubt if Damon wants to, he has the knowledge and passion to become an astronomer.
Wood said she’s currently fundraising and hoping to write a book called, “Damon’s Adventure’s In the Solar System.”
His parents are helping out recording the young child when he talks about the universe.
“He had been coming out to the observatory since he was four-years-old. He had really got into the stars and by the time he was four he knew the planets from the sun out to the small dwarf planets. He knows them by name and where they are in position to each other and even the speed.”
“It’s phenomenal.”
Dortwood Observatory graciously donated two telescopes to the library for members.
Right from the start the Loan A Scope is extremely popular with a waiting list for people who wish to use the telescopes.
With astronomy there is something new to see every night says Wood.
“You get to see planets close up and you get to see nebula which are smoke rings of colour in a vast universe.”
“As a human, knowing that I’m living on a round ball that is travelling through space at tremendous speeds and I’m here and able to look up and appreciate that.”
“We are all astronauts and we are on the best space ship ever. And we are never going to be able to duplicate it.”
“So, we have to learn to appreciate it.”
“Because there is only one that we know of.
The couple invites anyone to contact them through Facebook about Dortwood Obseratory.
“We’d love to spread the passion. If one child becomes an astronomer because of something they’ve seen here, that would be amazing.”
This coming Saturday, July 21, 2018 Dortwood Observatory is holding a Mid-Summer Solar Saturday. For anyone that would like to attend go on Facebook for more information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
