Dark Skies at Night, Star Gazers Delight
12/01/2009
Issued by: North York Moors National Park Authority
This year was chosen as the International Year of Astronomy as it coincides with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations of the moon with a telescope by Galileo Galilei. People going along to the event on the 17 January at Sutton Bank should be able to get a closer look at the moon, some star clusters and galaxies.
Martin Whillock, Honorary Secretary at the York Astronomical Society, said:
"With a telescope and the right weather conditions, the night sky can be a magical thing to observe and the conditions around Sutton Bank, with its low light pollution, are ideal for getting some excellent views. Come well wrapped up and join us for what promises to be a very exciting evening."
The Star Party will start at 8pm and finish around 10pm (Sutton Bank National Park Centre will be open from 7pm). Telescopes will be provided but people are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes along for tips on getting the most from them. Members of York Astronomical Society will be on hand to offer help and information throughout the evening and will also give an illustrated talk if the weather is cloudy. All ages are welcome, but children under eight years old may not be able to see through the telescopes clearly. Star Parties will also take place at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on the evenings of 4 April, 24 October and 12 December.
Dark skies at night and clear unpolluted air are special qualities of the UK's 14 national parks making them ideal locations for star gazing. This year also marks 60 years since the concept of national parks was introduced in the 1949 National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act. A range of events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the achievements and attributes of these special and treasured landscapes.
For further information on the star gazing events, contact Martin Whillock on tel: 01347 821 849 or email: martin@whillock.me.uk or the North York Moors National Park Authority on 01439 770657. Further information on York Astronomical Society can be found at www.yorkastro.org.uk
ENDS
Notes for Editors
To view other press releases about the North York Moors and for further information on the National
Park, visit http://www.moors.uk.net/
The North York Moors is one of 14 National Parks which are home to some of the most spectacular and
valued landscapes in Britain. More information on all National Parks can be found at
Media Contact:
Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
Tel: 01439 770657
Email: r.mcintosh@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk