We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
Hebridean Dark Skies Festival
Various venues, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, 9–21 March
This ambitious annual festival includes live music, films, visual arts and theatre performances alongside astronomy talks, planetarium shows and stargazing. Creative workshops for children, a concert showcasing David Bowie’s space-inspired songs, a talk from astrophotographer Wil Cheung about chasing the aurorae, and a new show by street theatre company Mischief La Basin in which aliens tell the stories of eight female space pioneers are among the many highlights of the jam-packed festival – and all taking place under some of the UK’s darkest skies. For details, visit lanntair.com/creative-programme/darkskies.
JUICE and the Icy Moons of Jupiter
School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, 2 March, 7:30pm
A talk by Prof David Southwood on ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission which is scheduled to launch this April and to reach Jupiter in July 2031. Booking not required. www.cardiff-astronomical-society.co.uk
Practical Astronomy Show
Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire, 11 March
This show brings together astronomy businesses, organisations and educational institutions, with free talks and an emphasis on using and getting the best out of astronomy products. Free entry. practicalastroshow.com
Spring Stars and Galaxies Far Away!
Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, 11 March, 7:30pm
Taking advantage of the new Moon, experienced astronomer Richard Dern offers telescopes and binoculars to unlock the sky’s treasures in this beginner-friendly event. Tickets from £11. bit.ly/3il37oE
Celestial Stones of the Equinox
St Ives Library, Cornwall, 15 March, 7pm
A talk from archaeo-astronomer and author Carolyn Kennett on how ancient communities connected with the skies above Cornwall, and the special relationship prehistoric sites have with the equinoxes. Tickets from £7. stives.ticketsolve.com
Toothill Observatory public open evening
Southampton, 17 March, 7:30pm
An opportunity to join Solent Amateur Astronomers to observe galaxies, nebulae and clusters through their 14-inch telescope, with other scopes and binoculars also available. Adults £5, children 50p. www.solentastro.org
An Introduction to Astronomy
Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Lowestoft, Suffolk, 21 March, 6:45pm
An illustrated talk by Ian Hobson introducing astronomy and what we can see in our night sky. Adults £6. www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events
At the Limits of Astrophysics
Royal Institution, London, 23 March, 7pm
Astrophysicist Katy Clough discusses some of the more exotic astrophysical objects, including wormholes and warp drives. From £7. www.rigb.org/whats-on