We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
AstroCamp
Cwmdu, Powys, Wales, 22–25 April
A star party weekend in the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve with talks, workshops, a pub quiz, a limerick competition (with prizes) and plenty of stargazing opportunities, weather permitting, including tours of the night sky with experienced astronomers. With its relaxed atmosphere, the camp offers a social area where anyone can get a look through a telescope, and you don’t need to bring your own equipment with you. Previous years have provided views of planets, nebulae, comets and galaxies, while the local cafe and pub take care of non-astronomy related needs. From £25. astrocamp.awesomeastronomy.com
The Future of Geography
Sheffield Central Library, Sheffield, 24 April, 6:30pm
Author and journalist Tim Marshall gives a talk on the politics of space and how humans are taking their power struggles with them as they explore the Solar System. Free. www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/librariessheffield-9795467632
Astronomy history conference
Lyttelton Lecture Theatre, Birmingham, 1 April
The Society for the History of Astronomy hosts a day of fascinating talks, headlined by Carolyn Kennett on the 1820s Dolcoath Mine experiments to calculate Earth’s gravity. £20 for non-members. societyforthehistoryofastronomy.com/meetings
Astronaut Academy
Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, East Sussex, 4 April
Half-day workshops for children aged 6–8 and 9–11, discovering what it takes to become an astronaut, doing robot arm experiments and learning about life in microgravity. £14.95 per child. www.the-observatory.org/events/astronaut-academy
The Hidden Universe
14 April, 8pm
Dr Jeni Millard presents an online talk on the bits of the Universe we cannot see, the many different wavelengths of light, and how they can uncover the secrets of the cosmos. £3 for non-members. www.midkentastro.org.uk/events
Observing night
University of Glasgow Observatory, Acre Road, Glasgow, 18 April, 6:30pm
On a night with just a 6% crescent Moon, Glasgow University Astronomical Society members will be observing the skies above the city. Free. All are welcome. www.facebook.com/guastrosoc
Public stargazing session
Binham Village Hall, Fakenham, 20 April, 7:30pm
This North Norfolk Astronomy Society event includes a presentation on the planet Jupiter and telescope viewing if clear. £4 for non-members. garyvheard.org/joomla30
Stargazing Safari
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel, Clearwell, Gloucestershire, 22 April, 8pm
From a hill in the Forest of Dean, storyteller Jim Bell will point out stars, planets and constellations. There’s a portable planetarium in case it’s cloudy. Adults £40, £20 for children. tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk/stargazing-safari