Stargazing at the Tower to take place in November
The wonders of the night sky will be shared in a special event organised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Hoghton Tower.
Stargazing at the Tower, on Sunday 11 November, will see UCLan Professor of Astrophysics Donald Kurtz share his expert knowledge of astronomy and cosmology in Hoghton Tower’s magnificent Banqueting Hall.
Professor Kurtz will be joined by Dr Mark Norris, his colleague in UCLan’s Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, who will conduct a Stellarium experience where visitors will be able to see the night sky on an interactive domed screen. In addition, visitors can have a go at stargazing themselves from Hoghton Tower’s Wilderness Gardens with telescopes brought from UCLan’s Alston Observatory team.
Professor Kurtz, who travels the world to share his astronomy knowledge, commented: “I’m really looking forward to opening up the night sky to keen amateur astronomers of all ages in such a beautiful setting. Stargazing is becoming a national hobby so it’s exciting to team up with Hoghton Tower to harness this enthusiasm and answer questions about space and stars.”
"I’m really looking forward to opening up the night sky to keen amateur astronomers of all ages in such a beautiful setting."
Preston and District Astronomical Society (PADAS) is hosting an exhibition in Hoghton Tower’s wooden-panelled Smoking Room throughout the evening. The members of the society will be bringing in meteors to show the public, as well as giving talks and advice to visitors about telescopes and all things astronomy.
This is the first event of its kind at Hoghton Tower and is part of the wider UCLan-Hoghton Tower Initiative. Tickets are £32 and all revenue from this event will go to the Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust. The evening opens at 5.00pm with Professor Kurtz’s lecture starting at 6.00pm.
To book, or for more information, visit the Hoghton Tower website.