ALL eyes were raised to the heavens in York’s Museum gardens as the BBC chose the venue for a part of its national Stargazing Live event.

The gardens saw a battery of telescopes set up last night as people were invited to take part in a range of astronomical events to coincide with the broadcast.

The York Observatory, situated in the gardens, opened its doors to visitors to allow the public to get a better view of the night sky, while the visiting Space Bus also provided children with a taste of life as an astronaut, including a chance to try “space food”.

Last night Amy Parkinson, learning manager for York Museums Trust, said she was hoping the clouds would stay away so people could get a good view of the night sky.

She said: “We are delighted that the BBC has chosen York Observatory and the Yorkshire Museum to host the Stargazing event.

“Throughout the evening there will be the chance to learn about the night sky and try different activities in the Yorkshire Museum and on the Space Bus.

“Fingers crossed, it will be a clear night so people can use the telescopes brought by York Astronomical Society and also York Observatory – the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire.”

The BBC’s Stargazing Live event started on BBC2 on Monday night, marking the start of three days of national events aimed at encouraging people to get into astronomy.

The programmes have been hosted by Professor Brian Cox and comedian Dara O’Briain.