See our amazing sun up close at Castle Espie
IAA Solar Day at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Sunday 11 August.
The Irish Astronomical Association will be holding another of their very popular public solar astronomy afternoons at Castle Espie Wetland Centre, near Comber, on Sunday afternoon, 11 August from 2.00pm to 5.00p.m. We'll have a selection of special telescopes for viewing the Sun in a variety of types of light in complete safety, an exhibition, and a mobile planetarium running public starshows just in case of bad weather.
If it's clear, you will be able to see giant sunspots which are larger than the Earth, huge flares of incredibly hot gas shooting off the Sun's surface, and other amazing detail on its surface.
And the first person from Ireland who is booked to go into space, Derek Heatly from Groomsport, will be there to talk about his preliminary training flights, and what his actual flight with Virgin Galactic will be like.
There is ever increasing interest in the Sun as it affects our weather in the short term, and our climate in the longer term. There is also increasing concern about the risk of a possible 'Superflare' causing considerable damage to our electricity supplies, communications, and travel. So this is your chance to find out more about our nearest stellar neighbour, and the source of the energy which makes life on earth possible.
This is always a very popular event, so book early by contacting Castle Espie Wetland Centre on 02891 874146 or email info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is open every day from 10am to 5.00pm and parking is free of charge.
For more information see: www.irishastro.org
