We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
Dark Skies Fringe Festival
North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales,
various venues,
21–30 October
Following a main festival in February comes the popular Fringe event for its third year under the pristine skies of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales national parks, which have International Dark Sky Reserve status. The full lineup was yet to be announced at the time of writing, but attendees can expect outdoor adventures in the dark such as night walks, astrophotography and astronomy talks, dark-sky safaris by boat and wellbeing stargazing retreats. This annual festival is a chance to either expand your knowledge or start your stargazing journey. For those in the South West, there’s also a Dark Skies festival taking place on Exmoor on 14–30 October.
Norman Lockyer Observatory Family Day
Sidmouth, Devon,
16 October, 11am
As part of Sidmouth Science Festival there will be telescopes, a planetarium and meteorology at this famous old observatory dating back over 100 years. Booking not required. Adults £10, children £5. sidmouth.gov.uk/event/norman-lockyer-observatory-family-day
International Astronomy Show
Stoneleigh Park,
Coventry, 14–15 October
Put together by two amateur stargazers, the show includes lectures from astronomy professor Nial Tavir and eminent science historian Professor Allan Chapman. Show entry £8.50; entry to lectures £6.50. www.ukastroshow.com
Coll & The Cosmos Stargazing Weekend
Coll Bunkhouse, Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides,
22–23 October
A collaboration with Cosmos Planetarium, no extra equipment is needed (though you can bring your own) to enjoy these scientific presentations and the spectacular, dark night sky. £150 for adults, £100 for under-18s. collbunkhouse.com/dark-skies-coll-cosmos
Stargazing and Astrophotography
Libanus Mountain Centre, Brecon, Powys,
24 October, 10pm
Join a small group of experienced astronomers and astrophotographers from Dark Sky Wales for three hours to learn the constellations, find deep-sky objects (telescopes provided, or bring your own) and photograph some magnificent objects. £55 per person. bit.ly/Libanus-stargaze
Family Space Night
Bredhurst Village Hall, Kent,
28 October, 8pm
An exciting evening of talks and displays from Mid-Kent Astronomical Society about space, astronomy and rockets, with some hands-on activities for young children. Telescopes will be available for observation, weather permitting. www.midkentastro.org.uk
Dark Skies Stone Circle Walk
Avebury stone circle, Wiltshire,
30 October, 4:30pm
Part of the Marlborough Dark Skies event, an evening of astronomy inside the stone circle and a guided walk to marvel at the night sky. There will be craft activities too, for younger visitors. Tickets £5 for adults, £3 for children. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events