Stargazing is an evening of astronomy, space activities, cosmology chat and talks.
Hundreds of stargazers will visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this week to learn about the wonders of the Universe and take a tour around the night sky.
Stargazing at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an evening of astronomy, space activities, cosmology chat and talks on Wednesday 29 January, with activities taking place on board HMS Warrior 1860 and in Action Stations.
Astrophysicists and cosmologists from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, navigation experts from the National Museum of the Royal Navy, amateur astronomers from Hampshire Astronomical Group and space engineers from Airbus Defence and Space, will be exploring navigation through space and time.
Our annual Stargazing event is always a highlight of the year and we can’t wait to share the mysteries of the Universe with our local community here in Portsmouth.
During the free event, members of the public will have the opportunity to take a look through a telescope, hunt for black holes and find out more about our Universe.
Highlights include:
- Become a black hole hunter to detect the sounds of black holes colliding.
- ‘Stroll in the cosmos’ using a virtual reality headset to experience the Universe as it was billions of years ago.
- The Tactile Universe, a hands-on galaxy identification activity developed for the visually impaired.
- Demonstration of the laser equipment used to detect gravitational waves both here on Earth and in space.
Other popular attractions include becoming a citizen scientist to classify galaxies online, finding out how sailors navigate by the stars, and telescope demonstrations from members of Hampshire Astronomical Group.
Dr Jen Gupta, astrophysicist and Public Engagement and Outreach Manager at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said: “Our annual Stargazing event is always a highlight of the year and we can’t wait to share the mysteries of the Universe with our local community here in Portsmouth. We’ve got plenty of activities planned whatever the weather, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we have clear skies to do some stargazing from the deck of HMS Warrior.”