As I hastened out on my evening walk, I was stopped in my tracks by a glorious near-full moon just above the horizon. It is still very low, and therefore appearing very large, as it nears the end of its 18.6 year cycle before once again rising higher once more. There are many dark sky events being advertised which would be great to go along to. My book is there to help you get started by showing you just a few of the bright stars that appear early in the evening so you can orientate yourself before becoming overwhelmed as the sky darkens. Stargazing for All will also be available at the Sidmouth Science Festival family day at the Norman Lockyer Observatory where you will find me alongside a display about the Blue Streak rocket. There is lots to enjoy plus talks from former young observers at the NLO, now doctors of science, on hand to explain the wonders of the solar system to you.
Sunday afternoon saw me taking a trip out to Tiverton castle gardens, not far but somewhere not visited. The sunshine gloriously lit up the wonderful autumnal colours of dahlias and tiny cyclamen. Definitely a place to return to and explore the displays of Civil War armour inside.
Karen Hedges 