Astronomy in the Forest
Event details
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Events at Sherwood Pines
- Meet at the Forest Classroom near the Visitor Centre
Join us for a wonderful evening exploring the night sky at Sherwood Pines!
We will take a tour of the beautiful seasonal constellations and observe the planets and moons with our powerful telescopes. This event is suitable for all abilities, however if you are a beginner we will introduce you to stargazing, guide you through how to observe the night sky and give you tips about the best equipment to use.
Even if the weather does not co-operate we've got plenty planned including a space journey through our galaxy and beyond using a special computer programme. There'll also be practical advice on buying and using equipment.
Age suitability: 8 years +
Duration: 2 hours
Each session is themed according to the season, please see full details below.
| Date of Event | Event Details |
|---|---|
| Friday 27 September 2024 at 7.30pm | The dark skies are back after the long summer days and we'll be giving top billing to the most majestic planet of all - Saturn. It's well placed in the southern sky and we'll use telescopes to glimpse its famous rings weather permitting. We'll also take you on a tour of the famous Autumn constellations and perhaps even push the boundaries by spotting another galaxy, far, far away! |
| Friday 22 November 2024 at 7pm | Majestic Saturn is joined in the sky by the King of the Planets - Jupiter. This amazing world is at its highest in the sky in recent years making it an even better view. Expect to see weather systems and even some of the moons of this distant world using telescopes and binoculars. Plus we'll keep eyes peeled for shooting stars and show the best of the season's stunning star clusters. |
| Friday 24 January 2025 at 7pm | Enjoy a night out in the solar system with a big moon looming large over the forest and the biggest planet of them all, Jupiter, putting on its best display for eight years. We'll also show you how to take a picture of the moon using your mobile phone as a keepsake plus we'll have colourful talks and equipment advice. Even if the weather intrudes a special tour of the constellations on a big screen will provide plenty of wow moments. |
| Friday 31 January 2025 at 7pm | We are taking a cosmic trip around mid winter sky. Weather permitting we'll be using our powerful telescopes to share fabulous views of Mars and Jupiter! We'll also tell you more about these amazing worlds and keep our eyes peeled for shooting stars and satellites scurrying overhead. We'll also venture into deep space to share some of the treasures of ancient constellations like Orion. Plus we'll have a colour beginner's talk in a warm space and a chance to learn more about stargazing via a planetarium programme, together with tips on equipment. |
For any queries, please contact customerrelations@forestryengland.uk (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)
Essential Information
Sherwood Pines, Kings Clipstone, Nottingham, NG21 9JL
In addition to the standard terms and conditions the following terms also apply:
- All children aged 8 - 17 years must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult. Children aged 0-7 years are not permitted for this event.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early for a prompt start
- This event will take place regardless of weather or cloud cover.
- Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the forest at night and dress suitably for the weather and temperature.
- If you have them, please bring a torch, binoculars and a telescope (not essential)
- Hot drinks will be provided throughout the event
- Parking will be discounted to £3 and is payable after the event when prior to leaving the car park (card payments only)
- Accessible facilities are available, however due to the nature of the event and terrain this event may not be suitable to those with limited mobility
- Dogs are not permitted for this event.
- All children aged 8 - 17 years must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult. Children aged 0-7 years are not permitted for this event.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early for a prompt start
- This event will take place regardless of weather or cloud cover.
- Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the forest at night and dress suitably for the weather and temperature.
- If you have them, please bring a torch, binoculars and a telescope (not essential)
- Hot drinks will be provided throughout the event
- Parking will be discounted to £3 and is payable after the event when prior to leaving the car park (card payments only)
- Accessible facilities are available, however due to the nature of the event and terrain this event may not be suitable to those with limited mobility
- Dogs are not permitted for this event.