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York Astronomical Society takes part in national Stargazing Live event

10:31am Wednesday 18th January 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Richard Catton , richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

Emma Alexander, of York Astronomical Society, at the stargazing event in the Museum Gardens Emma Alexander, of York Astronomical Society, at the stargazing event in the Museum Gardens

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.

Comments(12)

nasrudin says...
12:45pm Wed 18 Jan 12

I enjoyed this immensely, my thanks to all the volunteers who took part, especially to the kind people who let us use their own telescopes, and the very enthusiasitic driver of the "wow" bus!

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The Analyst says...
1:04pm Wed 18 Jan 12

Here here nasrudin, I also attended the event, and whilst there is no denying it was freezing, it was very enjoyable. It was the first time I have ever seen Jupiter and four of it's moons and has definately triggered an interest in what is 'above our heads'! Great night and a big thank you to all those involved.

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myhouse says...
1:27pm Wed 18 Jan 12

Who knew it was in York? This is the first I heard of it being in York. Gutted I didnt know.

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ReginaldBiscuit says...
1:33pm Wed 18 Jan 12

myhouse wrote:
Who knew it was in York? This is the first I heard of it being in York. Gutted I didnt know.
Me too. I have a Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ Newtonian. Please publicise it next time Press. Only a day late.

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Richard Foleher says...
2:23pm Wed 18 Jan 12

The event was published by the BBC and independently by The York Astronomical Society.

If you would like more information about The York Astronomical Society, What's On and how you get involved in Astronomy, please visit yorkastro.org.uk

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powerwatt says...
2:49pm Wed 18 Jan 12

ReginaldBiscuit wrote:
myhouse wrote:
Who knew it was in York? This is the first I heard of it being in York. Gutted I didnt know.
Me too. I have a Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ Newtonian. Please publicise it next time Press. Only a day late.
There is another event in the museum gardens on Thursday evening as well.

I will be going to that one.

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powerwatt says...
2:49pm Wed 18 Jan 12

There is another event in the museum gardens on Thursday evening as well.

I will be going to that one.

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pedalling paul says...
6:24pm Wed 18 Jan 12

I like looking at heavenly bodies.......!

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Buzz Light-year says...
8:27pm Wed 18 Jan 12

ReginaldBiscuit wrote:
myhouse wrote: Who knew it was in York? This is the first I heard of it being in York. Gutted I didnt know.
Me too. I have a Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ Newtonian. Please publicise it next time Press. Only a day late.
The Press warned us Tuesday last week.
http://www.yorkpress
.co.uk/news/9461554.
Chance_to_join_in_te
lescope_sessions/

Pay attention kids!

(Granted, the Press didn't mention the words "Stargazing live" or "Professor Brian Cox" and the article reads like they didn't really know what it was they were announcing but well, at least they gave us a cryptic hint...)

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Rolo says...
8:09am Thu 19 Jan 12

I read it in The Press last week & went along as an interested novice. Actually saw the lines on Jupiter, four of its moons and had a pleasant chat with the astronomers there who couldn't have done more to answer questions from muggles like me. Loved it.

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Richard Foleher says...
8:41am Thu 19 Jan 12

Tonight in the Museum Gardens is "A telescope is for life, not just for Christmas" members of The York Astronomical Society will be on hand to help you set up your scopes, tips and tricks as well as what to look for in the night sky.

Don't miss it.

We are also on Facebook. Just search The York Astronomical Society

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C3PO=PCSO says...
4:24pm Thu 19 Jan 12

and not a chav in sight....dial 101 and selct option 2 if they spoil you're fun.

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