Join the stargazers in Letchworth

By Clare Bourke on January 13th 2012

Stargazing Live returns to the BBC on January 16, 17 and 18 featuring Brian Cox and Dara O’Briain – and events have been organised in Letchworth to coincide with the programme.

The aim of Stargazing Live is to increase awareness of astronomy and - weather permitting - for people to have a chance to observe the stars and planets, by involving astronomical societies across the UK.

The Letchworth & District Astronomical Society has teamed up with St Christopher School to present an evening of stargazing on Monday January 16, which will also feature some presentations about astronomy. The school has its own observatory, and this will be supplemented by telescopes provided by LDAS members, who will help show visitors the wonders of the night sky.

With clear skies, it should be possible to see the planets, including Venus, Jupiter and its moons, and even distant Uranus. In addition, the Pleiades star cluster and the Orion Nebula should be visible. There will also be talks about astronomy which will take place indoors, so there will be something to do whatever the weather.

LDAS Chairman Jerry Stone said, ‘Astronomy is a great hobby and offers the excitement of exploring our universe. We are delighted to offer this opportunity for people to take part in this nation-wide activity, and we’re very grateful to the head, Richard Palmer, and astronomy teacher Terry Watson for hosting this event.’

The event is free. Gates open at 5.30pm and visitors can come and go throughout the evening. So if you’re interested in Stargazing Live then come along and do some live stargazing!

For further details, visit http://www.ldas.org.uk/ and click on the link for Stargazing Live.

ABOUT THE CLUB 

The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society is one of the most active in the UK. Members hold meetings with guest speakers on the last Wednesday of each month at the Elizabeth Howard Hall, and hold viewing sessions at their observatory, which houses a large computer-controlled reflecting telescope.

The group has over 120 subscribers and also holds various public events during the year.

For further details on the Society and its activities, visit http://www.ldas.org.uk/ or contact Jerry Stone at jstone@spaceflight-uk.com or on 01438 712000 / 07939 204457.

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