We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
LIVE: Bowie: Oddity to Mars
National Space Centre, Leicester, 20 and 21 May
NASA’s Apollo Moon landings and the music of David Bowie are brought together this month in a live event at Leicester’s National Space Centre as the Sir Patrick Moore planetarium – the UK’s largest – plays host to a performance of Bowie’s music alongside an immersive 360˚ full-dome planetarium show.
Bowie’s iconic ‘Space Oddity’ and Ziggy Stardust era was also the time of humanity’s first steps on the Moon, and the show features out of this world imagery of the Apollo missions and spectacular sights from the distant Universe. Tickets £17.50. spacecentre.co.uk/event/bowie-oddity-to-mars
Live: Exmoor stargazing
Minehead, Somerset, 3 May, 7:30pm
From novices to experts, all are welcome to join Exmoor StarGazers for their monthly meet-up and (weather permitting) stargazing session at the Kildare Lodge Hotel. Free. www.facebook.com/ExmoorStargazers
Online: Why does the Pope have an Observatory?
9 May, 7pm
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, the Society for the History of Astronomy hosts Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, as he traces how astronomy, the Church and politics have collided since the observatory’s origins in 1582. For Zoom details contact: meetings@shastro.org.uk
Online: Space exploration talk
17 May, 1pm
Astronomer Royal Martin Rees looks at the growing role of robotics in the search for life on other planets in this free Royal Astronomical Society public lecture. See ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings
Online: The Sky and Ocean Reconnected
18 May, 1pm
This free online seminar explores the historical links between astronomical observatories and maritime exploration, trade and empire-building. To join on Zoom, go to www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on
Online: Tour ESO’s telescopes
20 May, 9am
Teachers and their students, aged 14–19, can take a virtual tour around some of the world’s largest telescopes at the European Southern Observatory’s Atacama Desert site in Chile, and learn about the roles of astronomers working there. bit.ly/3JAYxuE
Live: Stargazing evening
The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, E Sussex, 21 May, 4:30pm
Spend an afternoon and evening strolling around the indoor and outdoor exhibits and telescopes at this world famous astronomical observatory, and enjoy a planetarium show. Costs £15 per adult, £12 per child, and includes a portion of chips. www.the-observatory.org
Live: Informal observing
Bettridge Centre, Newtonhill, 24 May, 7pm
Try out telescopes and get advice from members at the Aberdeen Astronomical Society’s informal observing evening on the fourth Tuesday of each month. www.aberdeenastro.org.uk