A night to remember
Inspired by Brian Jones’ new blog about astronomy? As the International Year of Astronomy draws to a close, there are a number of events taking place around the country to mark the annual arrival of the Geminid meteor shower…
Exmoor National Park, which is applying to become the first English National Park to achieve ‘Dark Sky Park’ status, will be hosting a Geminids-watching event this coming Sunday 13 December at The Sportsman’s Inn, Sandyway (EX36 3LU) from 8.30pm.
According to the park, “the Geminid shower is often referred to as the most reliable meteor shower of the year and this year, the peak of the shower is predicted to occur on the night of the 13 December which should provide an ideal opportunity to learn about this incredible phenomenon. The Geminid shower often coincides with a full moon, but not this year so, weather permitting, there will be a chance to see meteors, often known as shooting stars, streak across the sky. Also on hand will be samples of real meteors for people to examine.”
A spokesman for the park explains “We are keeping our fingers crossed for a nice clear night which means that it will be cold so people are advised to wrap up very warmly and there will of course be the pub to go into for a warm-up or some food between star gazing. If it’s cloudy, there will still be plenty to see during a presentation by a local astronomer within the comfort of the pub.”
Families are welcome and anyone wishing to attend should call The Sportsman’s Inn on 01643 831109 to book a place.
To round off the International Year of Astronomy, the North York Moors National Park Authority is once again teaming up with The York Astronomical Society to host a free star gazing event on Saturday 12 December at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
Dark skies at night and clear unpolluted air are special qualities of the UK’s 15 national parks making them ideal locations for star gazing. The Star Party will start at 6pm and will include two illustrated talks from the society’s astronomers. The café at Sutton Bank National Park Centre will be open from 5pm serving a selection of food and drink. Telescopes will be provided but people are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes along for tips on getting the most from them. Members of The York Astronomical Society will be on hand to offer help and information throughout the evening.
“With a telescope and the right weather conditions, the night sky can be a magical thing to observe,” says Martin Whillock, Secretary of The York Astronomical Society. ”The conditions around Sutton Bank, with its low light pollution, are ideal for getting some excellent views. Come well wrapped up and join us for what promises to be a very exciting evening.”
For further information on the star gazing event, contact Martin Whillock on tel: 01347 821 849 or email: martin@whillock.me.uk or the North York Moors National Park Authority on 01439 770657. Further information on York Astronomical Society can be found at www.yorkastro.org.uk
Finally, if it’s really dark skies your after, look no further than the Galloway Forest Park – which as walk was going to press was hoping to become the first official Dark Sky Park in the UK.
The park’s successful bid was announced on Monday the 16th November 2009 in the International Year of Astronomy – a massive achievement for the UK and the south West of Scotland. To find out more about the award, skygazing and walks in the park, visit the Forestry Commission’s website.
Top image credit: NASA, ESA, AURA/Caltech, Palomar Observatory. Read more about it here.
Lower image credit: Galloway Forest Park
