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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 2012 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. These are held from time to time at the Visitor Centre. 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


This is the programme of Public Outdoor Events at Durston which form part of our Society activities.

Wessex Astronomical Society Forthcoming Programme at Durlston - 2011/12

Event  Date

Event

From Time

2011-Dec 1st Moon, Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Winter Constellations 7.00pm
2012-Jan 28th and 29th Our contributions to STARGAZING LIVE - Moon, Jupiter, Star clusters, Galaxies, Orion Nebula, Winter Constellations 7.00pm
2012-Feb 17th Venus, Jupiter, Orion Nebula, Star Clusters and Winter Constellations 7.30pm
2012-Mar-31st Moon, Venus, Mars Jupiter, Saturn and Spring Constellations 8pm
2012-Apr 13th Venus, Mars, Saturn, nebulae, galaxies and Spring Constellations 8.30pm
2012- Jun 4th The Sun - safely observe sunspots. Solar Spectrum, be a human Sundial etc 10.30am - 4.00pm
2012- June 6th SPECIAL EVENT - Last opportunity for 105 years to see a Transit of Venus 5.00am - 5.47am
2012- Aug 4th The Sun - safely observe sunspots. Solar Spectrum, be a human Sundial etc 10.30am - 4.00pm
2012-Aug 12th Perseid meteors (shooting stars), Saturn, Milky Way and Summer Constellations 9.00pm
2012- Aug 24th Moon, Mars, Saturn, Milky Way, Summer Constellations 8.30pm
2012- Aug 27th The Sun - safely observe sunspots. Solar Spectrum, be a human Sundial etc 10.30am - 4.00pm
2012- Sept 21st Moon, Saturn, Milky Way and summer constellations 8.00pm
2012- Oct 20th Moon, Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Autumn Constellations 7.30pm
2012- Nov 2nd Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Autumn Constellations 7.30pm
2012- Dec 14th Geminids (shooting stars), Jupiter, galaxies, Winter Constellations 7.00pm
The Secretary (Tel. 01929 422961) will be pleased to provide further information about these events.
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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 AT btinternet.com