2025: Autumn Star Search Course with Notebook & Pen

4 week Autumn Star Search Course: Monday 13th October - Monday 3rd November 2025

Time 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm

Course lecturer: Dr Sandra Voss

We are excited once again to be able to offer an Autumn Star Search Course and cannot wait to show you the stars! 

Autumn Star Search Gift Package includes:

• Gift Ticket
• Lenticular note book: lined pages, wire bound, 11 cms x  14.5 cms, designs vary
• Exclusive Science Centre pen: outer colours vary
• Exclusive Science Centre card with envelope: blank for your own message

This course is presented on one evening per week for 4 consecutive weeks starting Monday 14th October and is designed to look at the whole sky using the unaided eye. The course will help you understand what a star is, recognise the most prominent constellations so you can use them to navigate your way around the night sky and learn why some of the constellations are not visible all through the year. In ancient times many stories were attached to the constellations and we will explore some of these mythologies. You will also learn how to use a planisphere and star maps.

In the final week we look at other objects as well as the stars including the Moon and planets. There will also be a brief introduction to some deeper sky objects nestled within the constellations, that can be spotted through binoculars.  

The course is partly classroom based but it is hoped that, weather permitting, there will be plenty of opportunity to translate what has been learned indoors to the actual night sky on clear evenings. On the last evening you are welcome to bring binoculars if you have them, to spot some of the deeper sky objects discussed during the lecture.

This course is aimed at adults. If you wish to enquire about booking an under 18 (with an accompanying adult) onto the course then please phone us: 01323 832731. We cannot accept under 18s onto the course without an accompanying adult.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• One evening per week for 4 consecutive weeks
• Maximum 24 places
• We recommend that you bring a torch (preferably red light if you have one) and please wear warm clothing and sensible, warm footwear
• Our Gift Shop will be open at the start of each evening selling planispheres and more
• There is a break half way through the lecture and hot / cold drinks and snacks can be purchased from our Cafe
• The course takes place in one of our observatory domes on the first floor accessed by 2 flights of stairs
• You will receive the course content prior to the course via the e-mail address you provide at the time of booking
• No refund can be issued within 7 days of the start of the course
• If you wish to cancel the course and it is prior to 7 days before the event, there will be a £5 administration charge which will be taken off the refund
• £5 administration fee will be charged for a course transfer before or during the course
• Parking is on the parking field at the front of The Centre: You will be informed of alternative parking if our usual grass parking area has had to be closed due to bad weather
• If using Sat Nav, please use ‘Wartling Road’ and NOT our postcode