Dara is a secretly a frustrated astronomer – who’s been living with an unopened telescope in his attic for as long as he can remember. So Brian takes Dara on a crash course of the skies, showing him how to spot and take pictures of celestial marvels. Plus, Brian finds time to talk to three astronauts currently floating around the International Space Station.
Special guest Jonathan Ross finds out that anyone can be an astronomer, as he’s taught Astronomy 101 by The One Show’s resident stargazer, Mark Thompson. Over three days, gadget-obsessed Jonathan has to prove that he can navigate the night skies with just a pencil, paper and a humble pair of binoculars.
From their base at the world-famous Lovell Telescope at the University of Manchester (one of the world’s largest telescopes), Dara and Brian take viewers on a whistle-stop tour across the galaxy as they identify three of January’s unusual astronomical events – a partial solar eclipse, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower and Jupiter aligning with Uranus.
As well as coaching Jonathan through the basics of astronomy, Mark is on hand to offer viewers at home tips on how to navigate their own way across the skies. And Liz Bonnin looks up at the clear skies of Hawaii to explain how the stars affect people even during the daytime.
Online, amateur astronomers are being asked to get snapping and sharing; Brian is asking astronomers of all levels to share their best photographs of the night skies online, to be showcased during the live shows in January. Whether the pictures are of the moon or the planets, galaxies or nebulae, comets or meteors, the Stargazing team would love to see them. Images can be sent to stargazing@bbc.co.uk; visit bbc.co.uk/stargazing for more information.
The show will be broadcast on BBC 2 and the BBC HD channel from 8pm from Monday 3 January 2011.
Free Stargazing Live events will take place across Shropshire as well as the rest of the UK to coincide with the broadcast. Free resources – including star charts and audio guides – will also be available online closer to transmission.
Shropshire Events
Stars in Your Skies
Date: 9 January, 11:00am-4:00pm
Venue: Chalet Pavillion, Cardingmill Valley, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6JG
Details: Display of stars and Solar System information, demonstrations of the movement of stars, planets, eclipses etc. Car park charge for non National Trust members. No booking needed.
Contact: 01694 722006 | starsinyourskies@btinternet.com
Website: http://www.starsinyourskies.org
Shropshire Starry Skies
Date: 13 January, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Venue: Mary Webb School and Science College, Pontesbury, Shrewsbury, SY5 0TG
Details: Join us for an evening exploring our dark Shropshire starry skies. Dresina Shewbridge of ‘This is Astronomy’ will be our guide for the evening, giving a presentation and series of question and answer sessions interspersed with observations of our night sky. Family event, all under 18s to be accompanied by an adult. Please ring Mary Webb School and Science College to book your places. Please bring along your ‘scope or binoculars. Wrap up warm, we will be in and out.
Contact: 01743 792100 | admin@marywebb.shropshire.sch.uk
Website: http://marywebbschool.com
Practical Observing
Date: 29 January, 8:00pm-10:00pm
Venue: Rodington Village Hall, Shropshire SY4 4QS
Details: Given clear skies, share an evening with members of the Society who will be on hand to help you explore the night sky. If the weather is not co-operative then members will show you what equipment is appropriate to get you started. Free to members and guests in a warm modern village hall with all the amenities. Refreshments available for a small charge.
Contact: 01630 657209| stephen.szwajkun@taw.org.uk
Website: http://www.astro.cf.ac.uk/sas
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