University astronomers are preparing to share their telescopes with the public tonight at a free Stargazing Live event for adults and children.
If it’s a clear night – and the forecast is good – it may be possible to see Mars, Venus, Orion and various star clusters from the Falmer campus.
Sussex astrophysics students and members of the East Sussex Astronomical Society will set up their powerful telescopes to give visitors the best possible view.
There are plenty of other related activities at the event – suitable for all ages – and there is no need to book in advance, the organisers said, including “Ask an astronomer”.
The event has been organised by Sussex University astronomer Darren Baskill, from the university’s Physics and Astronomy Department.
Dr Baskill said: “As scientists it’s important for us to explain to the general public what we do and why we do it.
“This event will open the eyes of the public to how wonderful science is in general and also to the cutting-edge astronomy research we do here at Sussex on a daily basis.”
A panel discussion during the event will consider the future of astronomy, featuring world-renowned science author, John Gribbin, a visiting fellow in astronomy at Sussex. The discussion will also include other university astronomy researchers.
The Astronomy Centre celebrated its 50th anniversary last year – a year in which university researchers discovered what lies behind hot dust visible in the distant universe.
The university’s astrophysicists were also involved in improving the early diagnosis of dementia by using statistical techniques that had been developed to catalogue galaxies.
Stargazing Live runs from 6.30pm to 9pm in the Jubilee Building on the Sussex University campus at Falmer.
