Observatory opens night sky to the public

Budding astronomers will be given the opportunity to view the night sky later this month when the University of St Andrews opens its Observatory to the public.

The University will continue its tradition of opening the Observatory – and the sky’s delights – to the public in recognition of St Andrew’s Day by hosting an open evening on Saturday, 29th November.

Acting Director of the St Andrews University Observatory, Andrew Cameron said, “If the sky is clear, visitors will be able to see the Milky Way overhead and look through telescopes at the distant planets Uranus and Neptune as well as gas clouds around young star-forming regions, star clusters of all ages, and distant galaxies.”

The University Sports Centre has kindly agreed to switch off its floodlights at 6pm to provide optimum viewing circumstances for the stargazers.

If the sky is too cloudy for direct observations, there will be plenty of other activities for visitors.

Professor Cameron said, “There will also be displays of images of astronomical objects, an “ask an astronomer” session, and posters highlighting the current research work of the Astrophysics Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy.”

Amongst the attractions on display will be The James Gregory Telescope – the largest telescope of its kind in the UK.

The St Andrews University Observatory will be open to the public on Saturday 29th November, from 6pm to 9pm.

Admission is free, everyone is welcome, especially families with children of all ages.

The Observatory is located just off Buchanan Gardens, St Andrews, in the University’s sports fields.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Professor Andrew Cameron is available for interview on Tel: 01334 463147 or E-mail: [email protected]

NOTE TO PICTURE EDITORS:

IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE – CONTACTS BELOW.

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Fiona Armstrong, Press Officer on 01334 462530 / 462529, Mobile: 07730 415 015 or Email: [email protected]
Ref:  observatory 18/11/08
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