Why Space Travel is Hard - North Pennines Stargazing Festival

About

​​​​​​Come along for an exciting dark skies event in Croglin Village Hall, on the western edge of the North Pennines on Cumbria’s eastern fellside, Thursday 30 October, 7pm to 10pm.

The evening will start with a talk from Andy Gray on why space travel is hard. Humanity has come a long way in the past 100 years, breaking free from gravity and reaching Earth orbit and the Moon. Andy will explore the challenges of exploring beyond Earth and how likely it is that humans will be able to venture across the Milky Way and continue exploring the Universe.

After Andy’s talk (and if the sky is clear) we will do some informal stargazing at a dark site (field) a short walk from the village hall. Be prepared for a potentially muddy walk and rocky/uneven ground. Gates but no stiles. If live stargazing is not possible there will be an opportunity to ask more questions, together with a demonstration of the free Stellarium planetarium app.

This event is aimed at amateur astronomers and people with an interest in the night sky.

Bring warm/waterproof clothes/a torch (red light if you have one) and wear suitable shoes for uneven/muddy ground. Bring binoculars if you have a pair.

No dogs please – they’re a trip hazard in the dark.

There is very limited parking at the village hall. Please park in Croglin village and walk the short distance to the hall (about 200m SE along the B6413 from the centre of the village). The what3words for the hall are: ///nerves.ranted.resolves.

The venue is wheelchair accessible (permanent ramp) and has a wheelchair accessible toilet. It is possible to drop people near the door. The stargazing site is not wheelchair accessible.