International Year Of Astronomy 2009 Events

2009 is the IYA, and the Astronomical Society of Glasgow is involved in a number of events to make this a year to remember in astronomy. The IYA coincides with the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first glimpses through a telescope and the birth of modern astronomy. The events are designed to give people all over the world the chance to get involved in the fascinating science and experience the wonders of the night time sky.

The Astronomical Society of Glasgow is proud to be taking part in the events, and we will be giving anyone who is interested the chance to come and join up to look at the night sky through our telescopes, and talk to knowledgeable amateurs and professionals alike about all aspects of astronomy.

The ASG has worked closely over the last few years to provide astronomy based evenings at the Kindrogan Field Studies centre just outside Pitlochry. We have teamed up again to give you the opportunity to see the night sky at one of the best dark skies sites in Scotland, and are pleased to bring you 'Stars over the Glen'. (Funding to be confirmed)

Stars over the Glen

The location of Kindrogan Field Studies Centre not only provides an outstanding area for environmental studies, but it also is one of the best dark sky sites in Scotland for observational astronomy.

Kindrogan FSC provides curriculum support for 3 primary schools and 2 secondary schools, Pitlochry and Blairgowrie, in the local area. Now that basic astronomy knowledge is included in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence for all primary students, it is a perfect time to offer a weekend of observing and lectures at Kindrogan. There has never been an open public astronomy event at Kindrogan FSC in its entire history.

Many visitors comment on the wonderful view of the night sky over Kindrogan, but up until recently the centre has had no access to telescopes or knowledgeable astronomers. Nor is there in the area a public observatory or astronomy group. However Kindrogan has hosted several astronomy weekends for Glasgow University’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education and the Astronomical Society of Glasgow.

The success of these private events has inspired the staff to suggest that Kindrogan should host a large public event, free of charge to all in the local area and beyond. The weekend chosen is that of the end of British Summer time, allowing for an extra hour of observing on the 24th October.

The event will feature hands-on observing sessions with approximately 12 telescopes of large aperture available to the public and supervised by experienced members of the Astronomical Society of Glasgow. This will be complimented by a selection of lectures by ASG members. There will also be a lecture presented by a professional astronomer from the University of Glasgow.

The event will begin on Friday 23rd October at 7pm and will finish on Saturday 24th October at 11pm. No tickets are necessary but it would be helpful if you could inform Kindrogan FSC that you are coming. If skies are cloudy there will be an indoor programme of talks. Hot drinks will be available. Please bear in mind that it will be cold outdoors so wrap up warm!

Kindrogan is accessible only by car and is located about 11 miles SE of Pitlochry along the A924.

For more information about the Kindrogan Field studies centre, please visit their website. http://www.field-studies-council.org/kindrogan/index.aspx

Accommodation for the Event

The Field studies centre has 113 beds arranged in dormitories, family rooms and twin-bedded rooms. If you'd like to join us for both nights of the event, and possibly stay out that bit later if we have clear skies, then you can book rooms with Kindrogan.

The cost of bed and board (and trust us when we say that the meals provided are fantastic) would be £73 for one night, and £109 for two nights. Beds are allocated on a first come first served basis, and need to be booked directly with Kindrogan. The ASG is unable to take bookings for rooms. There will be family rooms available, however since many of the rooms are twin bedded, some people may have to share.

If you'd rather have a room to yourself, there are many B&B's and hotels in Pitlochry, which is around a 20 minute drive from the centre. Keep in mind that the access to the centre is via narrow roads over the surrounding hills, and caution should be used both getting to and leaving the centre. For more information on accommodation available in Pitlochry, have a look at the Tourist board pages.