Come and see the glorious sights of the night sky at one of the darkest sky sites in Northern Ireland.
Join well-known amateur astronomer Terry Moseley, of the Irish Astronomical Association on a Dark Sky Safari in the pristine dark skies of Lough Navar Forest on October 29 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Well away from any artificial 'light pollution', see and learn about the best-known constellations, such as Orion the Mighty Hunter, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the Twins, and Ursa Major the Great Bear, containing the well-known Plough, and how to find the North Star. See our own galaxy, the glorious Milky Way, and some of its most fascinating highlights, such as the beautiful star cluster, the Pleiades or Seven Sisters; the Orion Nebula, where stars and planets are being born as we watch; the Red Supergiant Betelgeuse which is bigger that the orbit of the Earth round the Sun and which will one day end its life in a stupendous supernova explosion and beautiful double stars. Looking beyond the realms of the Milky Way, spot the giant Andromeda Galaxy, containing about 300 thousand million stars, and which is 2.5 million light years away - the most distant thing you can see with just your own eyes.
Bring binoculars if you have or borrow a pair, although some pairs will also be provided for use. We will also have a telescope if conditions are suitable, but the main theme of the event will be to learn and enjoy what you can see with just your own eyes.
An organiser of the event said: "We want to avoid artificial light as much as possible, so please - No white light torches or headlamps, particularly not LED ones! But do bring a red torch, such as for a bicycle rear light, to see your way around; red light is okay, it doesn't affect your night vision. Please arrive on time - if you come late, your car headlights will ruin the view for everyone for the next 20 minutes."
The Dark Skies event is suitable for all but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing is necessary. The event begins at Agahmeelan viewpoint carpark, Lough Navar, Enniskillen. Booking is essential for this event, see www.cuilcaghlakelands.org for more details.
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