Stargazers pack out Sidmouth’s observatory
Some 141 attend BBC Stargazing Live night at Norman Lockyer Observatory
A CLOUDY night at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, did nothing to deter visitors to its recent BBC Stargazing Live event.
David Strange, the observatory’s chairman, writes: “One hundred and forty one attended the evening when we had hoped to show beginner stargazers views through our fine 140-year-old Victorian 8ins and 10ins refracting telescopes.
Occasional glimpses of Jupiter and Uranus were had, but more success was achieved by the NLO Radio group detecting the incoming Quadrantids meteors by their radio meteor detecting system.
There were plenty of telescopes set up in the entrance hall with members explaining the basics.
You may also want to watch:
Two planetarium shows were held on finding your way around the night sky, and an introductory talk on the Quadrantids, the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction and the forthcoming partial solar eclipse was given.
Visitors much appreciated the bound copies of the BBC Stargazing Live Star Guides, which were freely distributed to all, and a quite a few booked for our one day Introduction to Astronomy Course to be held on Saturday, January 15.
Most Read
- 1 New owner sought for prominent Sidmouth seafront businesses
- 2 Supermarket chain planning four new stores in East Devon
- 3 Three designer handbags stolen from a shop in Sidmouth
- 4 Woman flown to hospital after fall
- 5 Organisers thrilled with super science festival turnout
- 6 GP teams have seen 14% increase on pre-pandemic levels
- 7 It's official - Devon is one of the most popular places to live
- 8 Fundraiser makes brief stop on charity trek
- 9 Major road repair scheme will reduce patching
- 10 Pianist set to delight audiences in 50th anniversary season
