On Monday 16th January, Ashlawn School hosted, for the third year, a free public “Stargazing” event. In conjunction with the BBC, we tied in with the national event inspiring people to turn their eyes to the heavens through a 3 night special on BBC2 hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O’Brien.

We were delighted that over 600 visitors came.  They listened to lectures from leading astronomers, took part in creative workshops and with the help of some amazing telescopes brought by volunteers from The Rugby & District Astronomical Society and the Coventry & Warwickshire Astronomical Society, were able to view a huge variety of planets, moons and stars on a beautifully crisp, clear night.

Dr Johanna Jarvis was on hand in the ‘Telescope Surgery’, with extensive knowledge of all types of telescopes, she advised and inspired prospective astronomers on how to get started.

The Astronomy workshops provided plenty to do indoors to warm visitors back up...
•    ‘Immersive Theatres’ Discovery Dome allowed visitors to explore the night skies as a 360o experience.
•    ‘Zooniverse’ provided the public with on-line activities.
•    ‘Astro-Imaging’ allowed visitors to find out how astro-imaging works, make their own ‘Galaxy’ posters, and as the software is freely available, continue at home.
•    ‘The Solar System’ gave our younger astronomers the chance to find out about the speed of planets and to make their own ‘Solar System’ to take away.
•    ‘Craters & Asteroids’ involved brilliant messy fun; with the use of flour, ball-bearings & various sized marbles to discover how craters are formed.
•    ‘Galaxies’ tested their knowledge against what they had viewed through the telescopes outside.
•    ‘BBC Activities Room’ was full of creative ideas for different activities to try at a later date.

Thank you to the student councillors and vice-councillors for guiding the visitors around the school, showing great initiative, and being a fantastic support.

We couldn’t have held the event without our enthusiastic staff who volunteered to help with the workshops and activities. The feedback we have received from the event highlighted how much this was appreciated by the public.

Finally, thank you to the canteen staff, who cheerfully provided hot food and drinks to keep everyone sustained on such a chilly night.