Fun celebration of space pioneer Yuri

Dumfries Musuem will host  lots of free family friendly space fun to mark Yuri’s night on Saturday 12 April 2014.

This annual event celebrates Yuri Gagarin’s first space flight and promotes space exploration.

Hosted by Dumfries Astronomy Society, the first part of the evening is a fun talk followed by drop in activities.  At 6pm, Andrew Lound will present The Grand Tour of the Solar System. An informal guide to our solar system, taking us on a journey from the sun to the far reaches of the solar system, visiting along the way planets, moons, asteroids and comets. Illustrated with the very latest images and music, this is for anyone aged 8 and over.

With academic qualifications in astronomy and experience of working for television and radio, Andrew Lound promises to provide an entertaining and engaging way of learning about our solar system. He said, “Let me take you on a voyage of discovery where the sky is no longer the limit.”

As seating space is limited, booking is essential for this part of the evening – telephone the museum 01387 253374 or email dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk

>From 7.30pm to 9pm there will be a variety of interactive family drop in activities, hopefully including some stargazing. Weather permitting, high power telescopes will be  used to see the Moon and Mars as well as star constellations.

April 2014 is the best time for two years to view Mars, which looks like a bright red star. During early April, Mars will risein the east around the time of sunset.  By late April, it will already be up in the east when night falls.

Spacesuits, making fizz rockets, astronomy puzzles and crafty activities are also in the mix for the evening.

No booking is required for these activities and they are suitable for all ages.

More information about the Dumfries Astronomy Society is available at http://www.dumfriesastronomysociety.org.uk.