Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: RedLeader on January 03, 2011
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I thought this series looked quite interesting, it starts this evening.
Rekindle your interest in astronomy with a new BBC series.
Professor Brian Cox and frustrated astronomer Dara O'Briain are presenting three days of live stargazing.
Watch the series on BBC Two and take part in a local event or join in at home.
Stargazing Live takes place from 3 to 5 January to coincide with a number of astronomical events.
Look to the skies
The programme will show images from the most powerful telescopes on Earth.
There should be an opportunity to see Jupiter and Uranus align, a partial solar eclipse and the Quadrantid meteor shower.
Dan Hillier manages the visitor centre at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and has been advising the programme.
He said: "Scotland has the largest areas of dark skies in western Europe in the north and south of the country."
These are his tips on how to get the most from your stargazing session.
Stay away from the direct glare of lights such as security lights, street lights and car lights.
Have good sight lines with a low horizon in open space, so stay away from trees and buildings.
Go somewhere which is publicly accessible and be aware of any hazards including traffic and steep drops.
Going to an organised event where experts are on hand to guide you is also a good way to get involved.
Use a star chart to help identify Orion, the Hunter, which is easy to spot in the southern sky at this time of year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wnvpf
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Yeah. Got the V+ set to record the series.
A bit too cold to get the scope out though. Leave it for warmer nights.
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I was just logging on to put a post up about that! Spotted it in the listings this evening and remember seeing a trailer for it a few days ago. Will definitely be tuning in :)
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Incidentaly - I have a small telescope for sale if anyone might be interested.
Wrong thread I know - but thought I'd maximise my opportunity here.
It's a MEADE ETX70 with GOTO handset.
Alan.