Stargazing on the Horizon in Cockerham

We are celebrating the Dark Skies Festival with local Astronomer Robert Ince who will guide you on an inspiring journey through the constellations and along the Milky Way. 

The night skies over Northern England are recognized as some of the darkest and several areas have been granted official status as Dark Sky Parks, Reserves  and Discovery Sites. The winter months, when the nights are longer and the skies are darker, tend to be the best time to stargaze

​

On a clear cloud-free and ideally moonless night, the skies above become home to all manner of legendary figures and mythical beasts. This is the domain of Pegasus, the winged horse, Taurus, the bull, Orion, the hunter, and Andromeda, a beautiful princess.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• We will try and show some of the skies wonders through our powerful telescopes and binoculars and identify those constellations you always see as well as pointing out some mysteries you perhaps had never noticed. 
• We’ll tell you more about our dark skies and show startling images and videos of the objects we hope to see when we go outside, weather permitting, we'll also attempt to answer your questions on life, the universe and everything!
• *Please understand* We are at the mercy of the great British weather, BUT,  even if the weather does not play game, we’ll still have colourful talks, videos and hands-on experience with the telescopes, together with some pointers on how to get started on your own stargazing journey. 

What you need to know

• Please dress for the season and wrap up warm
• Please bring along binoculars and a torch if you have them