We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
Live & Online: Hebridean Dark Skies Festival
Lewis, Outer Hebrides, 11–25 February
This two-week festival under some of the UK’s darkest skies returns for a fourth time with a lively mix of entertainment and astronomy. As well as stargazing, a host of indoor events will be happening at community venues across the island and online too, from astronomy workshops and talks, including one with Scotland’s new Astronomer Royal Catherine Heymans, to music, comedy, theatre, films, guided night walks and even a night swim for the very brave.
For tickets, call 01851 708480 or visit www.lanntair.com
Live: North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival
Various venues, 18 February–6 March
Enjoy the star-spangled skies of two International Dark Sky Reserves, with expert talks, art exhibitions, stargazing safaris, night-time walks and rocket building among the festival fortnight’s highlights. Charges apply to some events. darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
Live: Delamont Country Park observing evening
County Down, Northern Ireland, 4 February
All ages and levels of ability are welcome to this monthly public observing session hosted by the Irish Astronomical Association. Sessions are planned for the first Friday of each month, but may be rescheduled in bad weather. For updates see facebook.com/groups/irishastro
Online: Stars and constellations
5 February–5 March, 11am
Join Dr Adrian Jannetta of Northumberland Astronomical Society for an introductory course focusing on Orion, Ursa Major, Gemini, Taurus and Virgo. Held via Zoom over five weeks, the course costs £15. Book at bit.ly/3yh0kjB
Live: Extraterrestrial life
Village Hall, Norton sub Hamdon, Somerset, 16 February, 7:30pm
Crewkerne & District Astronomical Society hosts James Fradgley FRAS as he ponders the possibility of complex life beyond Earth, in ‘Life in the Universe: Are the Aliens Out There?’. Visitors welcome (first meeting free). www.cadas.net
Online: The Red Sun
18 February, 7:30pm
Lyn Smith, Director of the BAA’s Solar Section, leads a tour through the chromosphere, looking at prominences, filaments and flairs. Watch on the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/30gkCNK
Online: Discover Exoplanets
24 February, 10am
Aimed at teachers and learners aged 16– 19, this talk by Kate Isaak, Project Scientist for ESA’s CHEOPS mission, introduces the techniques used to find and study exoplanets. Free. bit.ly/31CvS7T
Live: Kenley observatory open evenings
Hayes Lane, Kenley, Croydon, Saturdays
Croydon Astronomical Society welcomes the public to its Norman Fisher Observatory every Saturday evening for a free observing session, depending on the weather. See bit.ly/3pJr4W9 for details.