Press Release

Press Release Archive: Thursday 06 January 2011

Stargazing with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has teamed up with Lincolnshire’s expert astronomer, Paul Money, to bring you a series of stargazing events.

Held throughout the year, these events are designed to help amateur stargazers and complete beginners navigate the star-studded night sky.  Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust PR Officer Rachel Shaw said: "Each of our Starnight events is themed and we’ll delve into a different aspect of the night sky: discovering the constellations, seeing Saturn’s rings, or viewing mighty Jupiter and its moons.  They provide a fantastic opportunity to learn more and get remarkable close-up views of stars, galaxies, planets and moons."  Astronomer Paul Money is looking forward to a star-packed 2011, he commented: "2011 began with a viewing of the partial solar eclipse at Gibraltar Point and will end with a lunar eclipse at Far Ings.  In between we have many exciting opportunities to show the public, with the naked eye, binoculars and modest equipment, what they can see in the night sky.  With chances to see Jupiter, Saturn’s Rings and many objects beyond our solar system, there will be something for everyone!" Starnights with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust £3.50 adults, £2.00 children The events consist of an indoor illustrated talk and an opportunity to observe the night sky, stars and planets through a powerful telescope (weather permitting).  The events will still take place even if the sky is cloudy. Please wrap up warm and wear good footwear for being outdoors.  Bring small torches but not mega bright ones!  Binoculars would be useful if you wish to bring them along.  Children should be accompanied by adults at all times.  The Half Moon in the Winter Sky Friday 11 February 7.30pm Banovallum House, Horncastle. Explore the stars and constellations of the winter night sky and see the craters on the Moon. Jewels of the Winter/Spring Night Sky Friday 11 March 7.30pm Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Skegness. Explore the winter and Spring constellations and stars this evening with the added bonus of the Moon to view as well. Booking is essential on: 01754 898057 Saturn and the Spring Night Sky Friday 15 April 8pm Whisby Nature Park, Lincoln.  See Saturn with its rings and explore the delights of the spring night sky Booking is essential on: 01522 696926 Saturn plus the Summer Night Sky Friday 20 May 8pm Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Barton-Upon-Humber. See Saturn with its rings and explore the delights of the spring and summer night sky.  Booking is essential on: 01652 637055 Sunday Sun Day Sunday 26 June 2pm - 5pm Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Skegness. Explore our nearest star, the Sun safely using specialised telescopes. If cloudy discover all about the Sun and how it produces the Aurora Borealis. Booking is essential on: 01754 898057 Of Twilight Planets and the Sun Friday 1 July 7.30pm Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Barton-Upon-Humber. A chance to see Saturn for the last time this season plus a chance to catch the innermost planet, Mercury. We will also be safely viewing the Sun in the early part of the evening. Booking is essential on: 01652 637055 Jewels of the Autumn Night Sky Friday 30 September 7.30pm Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Skegness. Explore the late Summer and Autumn constellations and stars this evening. Booking is essential on: 01754 898057 Of Giant Planets and Summer Stars Friday 7 October 7.30pm Banovallum House, Horncastle. Our last chance to view the delights of the Summer night sky as we slip into Autumn and a chance to look at Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune too. Jupiter and the Jewels of the Autumn Night Sky Friday 14 October 7.30pm Whisby Nature Park, Lincoln. See mighty Jupiter and its moons and explore the wonders of the Autumn night sky. Booking is essential on: 01522 696926 The Taurids, Moon and Seasonal Stars Friday 4 November 7.30pm Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Barton-Upon-Humber. Look out for Meteors in the moonlight plus a tour round the season’s stars and planets. Booking is essential on: 01652 637055 The Winter Lunar Eclipse Saturday 10 December 2pm – 5pm Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Barton-Upon-Humber. Watch the Moon rise eclipsed and hear about lunar eclipses and why they occur. Booking is essential on: 01652 637055

Notes to Editors

Photo of Saturn by Paul Money.

1. Paul Money is a professional astronomer based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. He holds numerous events, talks and workshops, and writes and publishes an annual observing guide to the year: "NightScenes". In 2003 he was awarded the 'Eric Zuker' Award for contributions to Astronomy by the Federation of Astronomical Societies. He is also one of the three 'Northern Lights Astronomers taking the public on flights to view the Aurora Borealis and is also the Reviews Editor for the BBC Sky at Night magazine and BBC Lincolnshire's Astronomy expert. 
   Visit www.astrospace.co.uk
   
   
2. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wild places throughout the historic county of Lincolnshire - from the Humber to the Wash.  The Trust is Lincolnshire's leading nature conservation charity with over 25,000 members and around 100 nature reserves.  The Trust is a member of a nationwide network of 47 local trusts which work to protect wildlife - The Wildlife Trusts.
   Visit: http://lincstrust.org.uk
   
   
3. The Wildlife Trusts.  There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone.  With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. 150,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch.  We manage around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living.
   Visit: http://www.wildlifetrusts.org

For further information please contact

Rachel Shaw, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01507 526667   (ansaphone out of office hours)
Fax: 01507 525732
Email: Rachel Shaw

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire LN9 5HF

Website: www.lincstrust.org.uk