Back

The Durlston Astronomy Centre
- Types of event and how to join in


There are several ways that members of the public, as individuals or in groups, can participate in the astronomy activities at Durlston. A small charge will be made for participation in most of the events.

Public Astronomy events. There are a number of public events open to anyone. These consist of an illustrated talk in the Visitor Centre followed by the visitors being able to look through various telescopes etc brought along by members of the Wessex Astronomical Society, to talk to the members, to be shown the various constellations visible and to look through the large telescope now permanently set up in the new observatory. A list of Public Astronomy events up to the end of 2009 is given at the end of this page

Educational visits. Special events are laid on for school groups - teachers and students - tailored to the particular level in the curriculum. These events too will normally involve a session in the lecture room of the Visitor Centre and actual observations through the new telescope. Events will be led by the Rangers and Wessex Astronomical Society members will provide support on the astronomy aspects. If you are interested in arranging such a visit then speak to or e-mail one of the Rangers - contact details at the end of this page

Clubs or other groups. These can be arranged in a similar way as for school groups. Contact either one of the rangers or the Wessex Astronomical Society Secretary.

Adult education course in astronomy. The first of these, entitled "Basic Astronomy" is planned for April 2009 and will be given by Bob Mizon - well known in the field of educational astronomy. It will combine lectures and practical observations.Contact Durlston for further details.

Use of the telescope by members of Wessex Astronomical Society and Friends of Durlston. Members of either should follow the procedure described separately within their group. Speak to one of the Rangers or to The WAS Secretary if you're not sure

Programme of Public Astronomy Events - 2010
Thursday 18th Feb 2010 7.30pm Mars, Moon, Orion Nebula and Winter Constellations
Saturday 20th March 7.30pm Venus, Mars, Saturn, Moon, Winter/Spring Constellations
Thursday 8th April 8.30pm Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn and Spring Constellations
Friday 23rd April 8.30pm Moon, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Spring Constellations
Saturday 8th May 9.00pm Venus, Mars, Saturn and the Spring Constellations
Thursday 12th August 8.30pm Perseid meteors (shooting stars), Milky Way and summer constellations
Thursday 26th August 8.30 pm Jupiter, Summer Constellations, Milky Way
Saturday 11th September 8.00pm Moon, Jupiter, galaxies, clusters, Autumn Constellations
Thursday 28th October 7.00pm Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Autumn Constellations
Thursday 11th November 7.00pm Moon, Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Winter Constellations
Home

Contacts
Durlston Country Park, Rangers - 01929 424443 or info@durlston.co.uk
Durlston Country Park, Rangers (on the day of an event) - 01929 427965
Secretary, Wessex Astronomical Society 01929 422961 or jefferis333@btinternet.com