We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
Journey to the Stars
Neeld Community and Arts Centre, Chippenham, Wiltshire, 15 February, 2pm
The secrets of the Universe revealed, using quirky puppets, props, wigs, fruit and vegetables. The Squashbox Theatre company’s show Journey to the Stars blends storytelling, live music and comedy with astounding science and astronomy facts. It attempts to answer questions such as what’s up there? How far does it go? And does it ever end? A 50-minute show suitable for anyone aged five or over, Journey to the Stars attempts to make science and astronomy accessible and fun. £8.50 or £30 for a family of four.
www.chippenham.gov.uk/event/journey-to-the-stars
Winter Nights
Royal Observatory Edinburgh, 14 February, 6:30pm
Tour the Victorian telescope dome and learn about the observatory, plus the science and engineering that goes on there. There will be time for some astronomy and questions too. Children £4.50, adults £7.50. visit.roe.ac.uk/public-events
Dark Horizons
Online, 2 February, 7:30pm
A presentation from photographer Ollie Taylor on his two-month journey across South America at high altitudes and under clear skies, hosted by Chichester Camera Club, with astronomical and landscape images. £3 for non-members. chichestercameraclub.org.uk/event
Stargazing at Mugdock
Mugdock Country Park, East Dunbartonshire, 3 February, 7pm
Bring your binoculars, spot constellations and learn facts about space. Venus, Mars and Jupiter may be on show too, and there’s an indoor presentation if it’s cloudy. £7 plus booking fee. www.mugdock–country-park.org.uk/things-to-do
Is There Anybody Out There?
Science Museum, London, 9 February, 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm)
A discussion on whether we are alone in the Universe, featuring academics from Cambridge University’s Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe. Tickets £10. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Hutton Roof spring stargazing
Hutton Roof, Cumbria, 10 February, 7:30pm
Local astronomers – with binoculars and telescopes on-hand – will help to explore astronomical sights under Cumbrian dark skies. Tickets: £20 adults, £15 kids. www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on
Planetarium Lates
Glasgow Science Centre, 11 February, 7pm
Taking advantage of the new full-dome digital projection system, this show uses the planetarium dome for a display of spectacular images and the latest ideas in astronomy. Ages 8 and over, tickets £10. www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
Abingdon Astronomical Society beginners’ meeting
Abingdon, Oxfordshire, 27 February, 8pm
A meeting aimed at beginners and novice astronomers, with talks by more experienced society members on the basics of amateur astronomy and an introduction to constellations. No charge. abingdonastro.org.uk/events