Spend some time with the stars in Letchworth

FOUR hundred years ago, Galileo turned his new telescope to the planet Jupiter and saw that it had four moons orbiting it. You can do the same thing this weekend, courtesy of the Letchworth and District Astronomical Society (LDAS). It is holding its thir

FOUR hundred years ago, Galileo turned his new telescope to the planet Jupiter and saw that it had four moons orbiting it.

You can do the same thing this weekend, courtesy of the Letchworth and District Astronomical Society (LDAS).

It is holding its third Public Star Party of the year tomorrow (Saturday) when it opens up its observatory, which is based at the Standalone Farm Centre in Wilbury Road, Letchworth GC.

There will be a range of telescopes available for visitors to have a look at the planet Jupiter and its moons. It may also be possible to catch a view of the distant planets Uranus and Neptune and some deep-sky objects, such as star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

As a bonus, the international space station is due to pass over a little while after 8pm and visitors will be able to watch as it crosses the sky.

There will also be displays and talks indoors, along with refreshments and astronomy items for sale.

The event starts at 7:30 pm and is free.

During Saturday, members of the society will be holding a public astronomy session in Leys Square in the town centre. This will include some telescopes with special filters so that passers-by can safely observe the sun.

This is all part of the society's activities for the International Year of Astronomy. For full details, visit its website at www.ldas.org.uk