BBC Stargazing Live at the EdenProject

BBC Stargazing Live at the Eden Project

January 13, 2012

Author: Grainne McCloskey

The Eden Project will be hosting a free evening of astronomy as part of the BBC’s Stargazing Live between 6pm - 9.30pm on Tuesday January 17 2012.

Visitors can find out about the stars of our galaxy by using a variety of professional telescopes, taking a virtual visit to distant corners of the universe in a portable planetarium, seeing live feeds from observatories around the world and handling and studying meteorites through microscopes.

There will also be a chance to see a big lights switch-off in the Biome and hear talks from experts on the night sky, life and death of stars, astronomical photography and plenty for younger visitors to enjoy plus lots more.

Eden is working with the Roseland Observatory and the University of Plymouth on the evening’s programme.

Stargazing Live, co-produced by the Open University, returns for a second three-night series broadcast on BBC Two January 16 to 18 – and Eden is due to be part of the final two programmes.

Presenters Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain will broadcast live from the control room of the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, interacting live with the audience and calling on a starry collection of the country’s finest astronomical minds to explore the majestic wonders of the skies above Britain.

The pair will tackle some of the most intriguing questions in astronomy, such as “Why does the moon cause the tides?”, “How do we know where black holes are when they are impossible to see?” and “What will we actually say if we ever make contact with an alien race?” There will also be hints and tips for getting started in stargazing and advice on navigating your way around the skies.