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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 2009 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. The first of these, entitled "Basic Astronomy" is planned for April 2009 and will be given by Bob Mizon - well known in the field of educational astronomy. It will combine lectures and practical observations. 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

Programme of Public Astronomy Events - 2008/9
Thursday 19th Feb 2009 7.30pm Venus, Winter Constellations and Star Clusters
Sunday 1st March 7.30pm Venus, Winter/Spring Constellations and the Moon
Saturday 28th March 8.00pm Saturn, Spring Constellations and the Moon
Thursday 16th April 8.30pm Saturn, Spring Constellations
Friday 1st May 8.30pm Moon, Saturn, Spring Constellations
Wednesday 12th August 8.30pm Perseid meteors (shooting stars), Milky Way
Thursday 27th August 8.00 pm Moon, Jupiter, Summer Constellations, Milky Way
Friday 25th September 7.30pm Moon, Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Autumn Constellations
Tuesday 27th October 7.00pm Moon, Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Autumn Constellations
Tuesday 17th November 7.30pm Leonid meteors (shooting stars), Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, Winter Constellations


Contacts
Durlston Country Park, Rangers - 01929 424443 or info@durlston.co.uk
Secretary, Wessex Astronomical Society 01929 422961 or wasweb01@ajefferis.freeserve.co.uk