School encourages love of science with free community stargazing event

CORE Arena Academy hosted the free event last month, which allowed students, parents and the local community to experience live stargazing through professional telescopes.

The evening encouraged students to learn about the wonders of the night sky, as well as take part in a planetarium experience in a star dome, which replicates stars and planets as they would appear in excellent visibility.

The evening also featured competitions and quizzes, as well as short talks and mini-lectures from expert astronomers. For younger stargazers, crafting activities were also provided. 

This month, aspiring astronomers should look out for the last glimpse of Saturn for a while early in February, as well as the Orion the Hunter constellation throughout the month. On February 26 and 27, astronomers can see Jupiter next to the Moon.

The event was designed to motivate pupils to see the value of an inquisitive mind using the nature, application, and implication of scientific process.

Raj Mann, executive head of Arena Academy, celebrated another successful stargazing event. He commented: “It was great to see so many enthusiastic and engaged pupils and members of our local community at our latest stargazing event. 

The beauty of space doesn’t need explaining, but not everyone has a chance to see these in their full splendour without equipment like binoculars or telescopes, so we were pleased to provide that opportunity.”