Astronomy Fair pulls in crowds at Sidmouth’s NLO

Sixth astronomy fair attracts 400 to Norman Lockyer Observatory, Salcombe Hill for lectures and stalls

FROM aliens to exploding stars, there was something for everyone at this year’s Astronomy Fair at Sidmouth’s Norman Lockyer Observatory on Saturday.

Some 400 turned up for the day, which stayed fine for most of the time.

Lectures were well attended, with talks on Are we alone? - Aliens and extra terrestrial life, Things that go bang in the night!, exploding stars in deep space, A Starry Night to remember - The night the Titanic sun and Aurorae - The Northern Lights.”

The four lecturers were David Bryant, Andy Newsam, Andrew Lound and Damien Peach.

David Strange, NLO’s chairman, said: “The Institute of Physics had a hands on experiments marquee that kept children occupied, including rocket launching.

“The NLO Observers group had an imaging tent and were displaying live images of the sun, showing solar prominences and sunspots at times when the sun came out.”

Planetarium shows were held throughout the day and there was also interest in trade stalls at the fair as well as Open University’s stall for the blind, called Touch the Stars.