This cache should take you along the Planet Trail, a scale model of the Solar System using a series of standing stones and plaques, where you will learn about the planets as you go. The trail takes you from the Sun at the posted coordinates to Pluto ( I know - it's been declassified but we all love planet Pluto!) which is represented by the telescope in the observatory. The plaques do seem to get damaged from time to time either by vandalism or Scottish weather - probably a combination of both but on the day this was replaced (April 2017) all the required information was visible and we think the plaques are regularly replaced when damaged. If the information isn't there, you should be able to check missing answers at the observatory (if it's closed, there is a guest wifi signal...)
There are some simple questions to answer along the way.
Parking is available at the observatory, and the final cache is close to here. It is just a short walk back downhill to the start of the trail - THE SUN at the co-ordinates given above
Mercury - Mercury is an average of 57,.......00,000km from the sun
Venus - Venus is 12,1.......2km in diameter
Mars - Mars has ....... tiny moons
Jupiter - Jupiter is 77......,000,000km from Earth
Saturn - Saturn is 1.......0,540 km in diameter
Neptune - Neptune is 49,5.......8km in diameter
Final cache location can be found at:
N56 27.Mercury, Venus, Mars W 003 00. Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune
The observatory is open free of charge all year round. For more details see the website HERE
Cache is a drinks can sized screwtop with swaps and room for small TBs