Shooting stars!
A sight to behold at any time under the dark starry skies of Grassholme.
To explain, as the terminology can be confusing.
A shooting star is the popular name given to a meteor, and a meteor is normally a tiny remnant of a comet, which passed though our solar system a long time ago, leaving a trail of debris in its wake. This debris is normally made up of fast moving, tiny (salt grain sized) pieces of comet, which hits our atmosphere at speeds approaching, in some cases, 58km per second. When these particles of comet hit our atmosphere, they heat up their surroundings and evaporate in a flash of light, and the flash that we see is what we call a shooting star!
The Persied meteor shower is regarded as the best of the year, with potentially as many as 110 meteors each hour, visible from good dark skies, on moonless nights.
As well as the shooting stars, you will be able to use our high tech instruments, computers and cameras, to make your night unforgettable - including talks in the classroom and tours of the facility. To the backdrop of birds on the lake...it's magical!
Book now for a night of astronomy, shooting stars and space facts. We have limited spaces, to guarantee a special and intimate night - so book early!
If you would like to bring along your deck chair to sit and gaze at the meteors then please do (and a blanket for your knees!)
Get wrapped up - it can get chilly when we are outside!
| Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
Adult Ticket |
£30.00 | |
Concession Ticket
For 65+ and 1-16 years and Blue Badge Holders
|
£25.00 |
Grassholme Observatory
Grassholme Reservoir
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Barnard Castle
DL12 0PW
Amenities
