LYRIDS SHOOTING STARS

About

Lyrids Shooting Stars 2024

Join us for an informative talk and some meteor (shooting stars - the Lyrids) spotting and look through the historic telescopes, some of the largest working telescopes in the country.

The April Lyrid Meteor Shower is active between about April 15 and April 29 every year. This year the peak of the shower is on the 22 April and continues into the pre-dawn hours of 23 April. Some meteors can be brighter; known as "Lyrid fireballs", they can cast shadows for a split second and leave behind smokey debris trails that last minutes.

The evening aims to be both informal and informative with a talk presented by a guest speaker. Following the talk, if the weather is nice and clear you will have the opportunity to try and spot some fast moving meteors with the unaided eye and look through the telescopes at other interesting celestial objects. If the weather is unsuitable for viewing, the talk will go ahead regardless and a comprehensive tour of the telescopes will replace viewing. On the tour you will be taken into domes not open to the public during the day. We do NOT cancel this event if the weather is unsuitable for viewing.

All the exhibits will be available for you to explore when you arrive. See the website for the itinerary for the evening.

If you wish to purchase hot food on the night our Launch Box catering van will be open before the talk starts, plus, the cafe will also be open for hot/cold drinks and snacks plus alcoholic beverages.

Numbers are limited to 100 (age 18+ only), so book early to secure your place.

If you are looking for a present then a Gift Ticket package is available for this event. Please check the online shop to purchase your Gift Ticket package. Gift Ticket terms and conditions can be found on our FAQs page.