Explore the night sky at Spalding's Springfields

Description:

People from across South Holland and beyond who are interested in finding out more about astronomy are being invited along to Springfields Outlet Shopping and Festival Gardens in Spalding to take part in a Spring Moonwatch event on Monday, March 30.

The event takes place between 7pm and 10pm in the Festival Gardens and is open to everyone.

Experts from the South Lincolnshire Astronomical and Geophysical Society, which has organised the event as part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, will be on hand to assist members of the public and provide information.

The event is free to attend, and members of the public will be invited to use members' telescopes to view the moon and other interesting night objects.

The event is timed perfectly because between March 28 and Apri 5l, the Moon is higher in the sky which makes for better viewing. When objects are low in the sky, the Earth's turbulent atmosphere causes images as seen through a telescope to ripple and blur.

The moon is particularly well placed for observation in the UK between these dates, staying high above the horizon for a long time and giving people a better opportunity to explore its detail.

 

Tracy Turnell, Communications Manager at Springfields, said: "At Springfields we strive to offer exciting events that people would be very interesting in attending.

"A Spring Moonwatch is just such an event because it gives people the chance to do something they may have wanted to do but no previously had the chance to.

"The peaceful Festival Gardens are the perfect place to explore the night sky. They are on the edge of Spalding away from the lights and noise and are wide and extensive, giving a great view of the skies.

"Thank you to the South Lincolnshire Astronomical and Geophysical Society for choosing to host this event at Springfields.

"We are delighted to be hosting this event which I am sure will be fascinating and informative. Here's hoping for some clear skies on the night!"