New observatory opens at University of Aberdeen

That the Parliament welcomes the opening of the Anne H Cruickshank Observatory on 30 September 2026, marking the first new observatory in Aberdeen for more than 200 years; understands that the observatory is located in the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens, housing a 16-inch John Cruickshank telescope equipped with advanced imaging technology; notes that it will support teaching and research in astrophysics, as well as interdisciplinary work involving artificial intelligence and data science; recognises that it will also create new opportunities for schools, community groups and members of the public to engage with astronomy; believes that the Anne H Cruickshank Observatory is unique as it is fully AI-controlled, with both the roof and telescope able to be operated using AI voice controls; recognises that the observatory builds on the University of Aberdeen's 400-year tradition of astronomical discovery, and hopes further astronomical discoveries can be made from the new observatory in future.