Stargazing guests reach for the skies

STARGAZING guests in the Forest of Bowland can get the most from the night skies thanks to astronomy tips from an expert. Robert Ince, an astronomer and astrophotographer, runs events at the Forest of Bowland's premium 'Dark Sky Discovery Sites.' He offered advice to guests at 3 of hospitality group James' Places Hotels, which are:- the Shireburn Arms, at Hurst Green, the Falcon Manor Hotel, at Settle and the Royal Hotel, at Kirkby Lonsdale. All are within 30 minutes drive of 1 of the Forest of Bowland's several best stargazing sites, Gisburn Forest Hub, Slaidburn car park and Beacon Fell Visitor Centre. Said Robert told us that:- "These Dark Sky Discovery Sites are in areas with very low night pollution, away from street lights and urban glare. The night sky is fantastic to see and with the right conditions there is so much to observe."

Robert had the following tips for getting the most out of a stargazing trip:-

1. Head for a Dark Sky Discovery Site or anywhere reasonably near to 1. Here you will have the best chance of seeing the most. The Gisburn Forest Hub site is excellent as it is an open space in the middle of a wooded area and very dark. The Slaidburn car park site is also close to Gisburn Forest and being a village is a little more accessible for those who don't want to go right into the wilds; and it has a pub!

2. Plan with the calendar before you go. The time of year is important as summer has fewer hours of darkness. Most astronomers at our latitudes don't venture out during July and August. The best months for stargazing are between November and April.

3. Check the moon phases. Avoid a full moon as its glare restricts the amount you will see because of its brightness, size and position in the sky.

4. The weather is crucial. The best conditions are often when the weather is cold and crisp and the air becomes very clear. When there is moisture in the air it causes mist and cloud obscuring the view.

5. Let your eyes adjust. Start by simply soaking in the atmosphere, spending at least 20 minutes to 30 minutes in the darkness allowing your eyes to dark sky adapt. After this time you will be able to see the Milky Way and galaxy arching above you and pick out the constellations and patterns in the sky.

6. Don't bring a white light torch. A red light, similar to those now found on headtorches often used by cyclists is fine. White light will make your eyes lose the adjustment they had gained but a red light won't affect your night vision at all.

7. Go when an expert will be on hand to point things out or download an app. Stargazing is so much more rewarding when you know what you're looking at. James' Places hotels all have information on when stargazing events are taking place at the various locations. If you can't make these events, there are some really good smartphone apps for around 99p or even free which when pointed at the sky can identify stars and constellations. Recommended ones include:- Google Sky, Night Sky Pro, StarMap and Stellarium Mobile.

8. There's often no need for a telescope. If you are thinking of getting into astronomy, 1st buy a decent pair of binoculars, then perhaps consider a small, portable telescope. Telescopes take some setting up and using them properly can be a steep learning curve but once achieved is very rewarding.

9. What can be seen? The sky changes with the seasons. At northern latitudes, the Plough, which is part of the Great Bear, is always there. An imaginary line drawn between the two right hand stars of the Plough leads up to Polaris, which is always due North. Orion, the hunter, is best visible in the spring months and various meteor showers occur throughout the year.

10. Special astronomical events to note this year are the autumn meteor showers; check out the Bowland Meteors event at Gisburn Forest Hub, on Friday, 18 November 2016 and the rare transit of Mercury across the Sun, on 6 May 2016, which will only be visible through special telescopes!

Said James' Places hospitality group marketing manager Heidi Kettle:- "With the 2016 calendar packed with astronomical treats, plus the chance to wave at astronaut Major Tim Peake as the International Space Station passes over, we are incredibly lucky here on the edge of the Forest of Bowland to have such easy access to excellent quality sites for observing the breathtakingly beautiful night sky."

More information on opportunities for astronomy in the Forest of Bowland is available online.

Tribute concert to celebrate the lives of Viola Beach and there manager

ON 2 April 2016, to celebrate the lives of Viola Beach and their dedicated manager Craig Tarry, there will be special night in memory of the 5 remarkable young men at Warrington's Parr Hall. The sell out show will feature a line up of friends, bands they’ve played with, influences and peers from across the country which will be compared by BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart. The Coral and Liam Fray are set to perform alongside an acoustic set from The Kooks. Special guests Blossoms, Eliza and the Bear, Hidden Charms, The Vryll Society, The Strawberries and Psyblings will also join together to celebrate the lives and music of the band. All proceeds from the show will go to all their families. The line up will be:- The Coral, Liam Fray, The Kooks Acoustic, Blossoms, Eliza and the Bear, Hidden Charms, The Vryll Society, The Strawbarries, Psyblings.