See the moon in all its glory

Stargazer nights at Lido

IT’S not so much ‘one small step’ but a short drive for the public to get up close and personal to the moon next week.

West of London Astronomical Society (WOLAS) is inviting residents to become stargazers by joining them at Ruislip Lido off Bury Street on October 16, 17 and 18 from 7pm to 9pm.

There will be a wide variety of telescopes available to observe the Earth’s nearest neighbour in all its glory and if it is clear enough the society’s astronomers will turn their telescopes towards star clusters such as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters.

Weather conditions allowing, there may also be an opportunity to view the famous Betelgeuse giant red star which could explode soon, as well as distant galaxies such as Andromeda, which at two million light years away is the Milky Way’s nearest neighbour.

WOLAS committee member David Arditti said: “People, especially children, first shown the moon through an astronomical telescope, often remember the experience for the rest of their lives.

“To see the razor-sharp, airless landscape, with its craters, great plains, mountains and rilles illuminated by the low sun is something spectacular and unique.

“We have chosen some dates when the moon will be well-placed for observing, but not so bright as to drown out the fainter objects in the sky. All we can do now is to hope for clear skies.”

The International Space Station will be another attraction, say the group adding: “You have to be quick to spot it.”

The event is free but would-be stargazers should wrap up warm.

In case of doubtful weather, please check the WOLAS website, wolas.org.uk

Entry to the Lido is via the gate adjacent to the free car park at the end of Reservoir Road, HA4 7TY. You can get there on the H12 bus.