Chance to explore the stars in Bakewell 17/12/2011

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This coming Saturday -

The Peak District National Park Authority in partnership with Nottingham Trent University is offering 125 free places for people to find out more about the night sky and the solar system.

This daytime event is being held in five one-hour sessions between 11am and 4pm (Dec 17) at Bakewell Town Hall. They will feature a guided tour of the night sky (in an inflatable planetarium) and telescope demonstrations from Chesterfield Astronomical Society.

The event is free, but tickets must be obtained from the nearby Bakewell Visitor Centre on the day (open 10am until 5pm).

John Tanner, of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: "We anticipate this event will be extremely popular. As spaces are limited to 25 people per session and allocated on a first come first served basis, we suggest you obtain your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

"In total there are five sessions, starting promptly at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. It’s a family event, totally under cover and suitable for all ages and abilities, so come along and discover more about the universe."

The national park authority and university are part of the Peak District Dark Skies group, set up in partnership with local astronomical societies to promote awareness of the special qualities of the night sky in and around the Peak District National Park.

More Dark Skies events are planned for January 2012. To keep up to date and visit the website www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/darkskies