We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
How to be Surprised by the Universe
Clanfield Memorial Hall, near Portsmouth, 9 September, 8pm
Astrophysicist and The Sky at Night presenter Chris Lintott will be delivering a talk entitled ‘How to be Surprised by the Universe’ to the Hampshire Astronomical Group at the Memorial Hall near its Clanfield Observatory (above). Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, the group was founded in Portsmouth in 1960 but work didn’t begin on the observatory until 1972. From mysterious radio signals to spectacular supernovae, the Universe keeps finding new ways to astonish us. Chris Lintott of the University of Oxford explains why we should keep our eyes peeled for the unusual, and what to do when you think you’ve found an alien civilisation. Entry £3 for non-members. hantsastro.org.uk
Discovering and Imaging Planetary Nebulae
Augustine United Church, Edinburgh, 9 September, 7:30pm Join the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh for a talk on why these dying stars are of such interest to cosmologists, and how you can go about observing and imaging them for yourself. www.astronomyedinburgh.org
Astronomy Festival
Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, E Sussex, 2–4 September A weekend under the stars, featuring stargazing evenings with telescopes large and small, plus lectures, planetarium shows, solar observing, trade stands and a pub quiz. Tickets from £11.50. www.the-observatory.org/events
Super Telescope: Mission to the Edge of the Universe
Online This Horizon documentary explores the inside story of the James Webb Space Telescope. BBC iPlayer
Stargazing session
Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset, 4 September, 8:15pm Join the astronomers from the Wessex Astronomical Society for an observing session at their fantastic observatory located in Durlston Country Park. This event includes observing the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and summer constellations. A small fee is payable. wessex-astro.org.uk
Stargazing weekend
Island Planetarium, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, 23–25 September This weekend includes evening stargazing, daytime observations of the Sun, visits to the observatory or Needles Battery Space Display, plus talks and teaching sessions. £75 per person. www.islandastronomy.co.uk
Brecon Dark Sky Festival
Brecon Beacons, 24–25 September Enjoy planetarium shows, stargazing, telescope observing and paddle boarding under the stars in one of the world’s best dark-sky regions. Events individually priced, ranging from free to £10. www.breconbeacons.org/stargazing
Herschel 200
Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath, until 31 December A major exhibition brings new collections to the Bath home of celebrated 18thcentury astronomer William Herschel for the 200th anniversary of his death. Adult tickets £9.50, kids’ tickets £4.50. www.herschelmuseum.org.uk