Wish Upon a Star in Sark
Fulfill a dream to “Wish Upon a Star in Sark” this year and experience the island that inspired Enya’s “Dark Sky Island” album, with a highlight of hundreds of meteors!
Come to Sark 7-15 August to join eminent astronomers Professor Ian Morison and author Robin Scagell during the Perseids Meteor Shower peak!
Hundreds of meteors are anticipated, increasing from approximately 60 to 80 per hour nightly, to 12th August peak when up to 110 to 140 per hour might be visible during the new Moon darkness, weather permitting.
7-15 August, Professor Ian and Robin will be on Sark, giving evening talks on a wide variety of topics, from the search for extraterrestrial life to measuring the distances of the galaxies. At night Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be on show, admired through a 12-inch Dobsonian, plus even a solar telescope for day viewing! Expertly guided by Professor Ian and Robin, we can observe a wide range of of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, to be determined at the time.
Though the Perseids Meteor shower peak occurs every year, it won’t peak during new Moon again until 2026, so don’t miss this blockbuster astronomy weekend!
Ian and Robin are available for informal group discussions during some meals; contact the organizers through the website DarkSkyIsland.net to express interest.
* Prof. Ian Morison is Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy, the oldest chair of astronomy in the world, dating from 1597 and once held by Christopher Wren. Ian’s career at Jodrell Bank Radio Observatory involved him in many exciting projects. He lectures widely on astronomy and has written several books about Observing, Astrophotography and Cosmology as well as many articles for Astronomy magazines. He is also a keen amateur observer and is an expert on taking photographs through amateur telescopes. As Instrument Adviser for the Society for Popular Astronomy, Ian helps members with their choice and use of telescopes.
* Robin Scagell is President of the Society for Popular Astronomy and is author of several stargazing books. He is a well-travelled lecturer aboard cruise ships and has appeared many times on BBC News and Sky News covering the latest astronomy stories. In addition to receiving the Sir Arthur Clarke Award for Space Reporting in 2007, Robin even had an asteroid named after him, (24728 Scagell). Unfortunately, no pictures of Robin’s asteroid are immediately available, and, fortunately, neither the asteroid nor Robin poses any threat to civilisation as we know it.
Camping is the best way to enjoy the meteor shower and perfect for all ages. Indulge the family to an unforgettable event to “Wish Upon A Star in Sark”, experience the inspiration for Enya’s “Dark Sky Island” album! But space is limited, so don’t wait to book at one of Sark’s two campsites.
http://www.sark.co.uk/where-to-stay/?accomtype=campsites
“Wish Upon a Star in Sark” is associated with SAstroS (Sark Astronomy Society) and the Society for Popular Astronomy; advertising for the event is proudly sponsored by RAS Group.
