Star spotting success
Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise were nowhere in evidence, but a very different kind of star spotting night has been declared a huge success at Kingsbury Water Park.
The Heart of England Astronomical Society recently held its third event at the North Warwickshire country park, and this time it ran in conjunction with the International Year of Astronomy.
A bumper attendance of 50 including local Guides and Scouts were treated to presentations by Geoff Mansfield, committee member of HOEAS on the winter sky and Roger Pickard, President of the British Astronomical Association on ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ showing how relevant the children’s nursery rhyme is to the formulation of the night sky.
Following the presentations participants then left the warmth of the park’s education centre to view the sky through HOEAS members’ telescopes on a freezing, but clear evening. Highlights included viewing Saturn and its rings, the Moon and the Orion Nebulae.
‘More Stargazing Evenings’, ‘Can’t think of any improvements’ and ‘Great for adults and kids, a real family event’ were comments as people left the highly enjoyable and informative evening.
For all the latest information on events and activities at Warwickshire County Council’s Country Parks visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks or call 01827 872660.