Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Lido visitors get stars in their eyes
WRAP up warm this weekend and join fellow stargazers to view the night sky from Ruislip Lido.
West of London Astronomical Society (WOLAS) is inviting everyone to join them at Ruislip Lido on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a night of observation of the moon and stars, through a wide variety of telescopes.
In addition to the moon, if it is clear enough the society’s astronomers will be turning their telescopes towards star clusters such as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters, coloured stars such as the famous Betelgeuse (a red giant star which could explode soon), double stars and distant galaxies such as the Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way’s nearest neighbour at two million light years distant. The International Space Station will be another attraction, but you will have to be quick to spot it.
WOLAS vice-president 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.”
If you have any questions about astronomy and space, WOLAS members will also be on hand to try to answer them.
The event runs from 7pm to 9pm and take warm clothing, as it could be chilly. The event is suitable for all the family.
There is no admission charge.
In case of doubtful weather, please check the WOLAS website, wolas.org.uk, where there will be an announcement on whether the event is on or not each day.
Ruislip Lido is off Bury Street. Entry 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.