Event

Irish Astronomical Association Solar Day at Castle Espie, Sunday 12th August

Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Cost: Adult - £6.90, concession (over 65, FT student, unemployed) - £4.77, Child (4-16 yrs) - £3.09, under 4yrs go free, carers go free and family (2 adults & 2 children) - £16.86

The Irish Astronomical Association will be holding another of their very popular public solar astronomy afternoons at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Castle Espie, near Comber, on Sunday afternoon, 12 August from 2.00 to 5.00p.m.

 We'll have a selection of special telescopes for viewing the Sun in a variety of types of light in complete safety, an exhibition, meteorites from space which you can hold (if you are strong enough!), and a mobile planetarium just in case of bad weather. 

If it's clear, you will be able to see giant sunspots which are larger than the Earth, huge flares of incredibly hot gas shooting off the Sun's surface (which cause the aurorae here on Earth), and other amazing detail on its surface.

And the first person from Ireland who is booked to go into space, Derek Heatly from Groomsport, will be there to talk about his preliminary training flights, and what his actual flight with Virgin Galactic will be like.

There is ever increasing interest in the Sun as it affects our weather in the short term, and our climate in the longer term. There is also increasing concern about the risk of a possible 'Superflare' causing considerable damage to our electricity supplies, communications, and travel. So this is your chance to find out more about our nearest stellar neighbour, and the source of the energy which makes life on earth possible.

This is always a very popular event, so book early by contacting Castle Espie Wetland Centre on 02891 874146 or visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie

Date and Time

Location

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
78 ballydrain rd
Comber
BT23 6EA
United Kingdom

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Contact Details

Maeve Curran