SOCIETY in focus

Kernow Astronomers is a mid-Cornwall group of about 40 amateur astronomers with a wide range of expertise and knowledge. We meet twice a month at St Columb Major Academy, often to hear expert speakers, and at Trevarrian on the north coast for practical observing during the darker months. Through our informal and fun meetings we invite newcomers to learn about all things space.

As a club we also bring our love of astronomy to the wider public. Some of our members visit schools or other groups to give talks, and we link with the National Trust to put on free ‘Sun, Stars and Planets’ evenings three times a year at its dark-sky coastal site at Carnewas near Newquay. Visitors are treated to a guided tour of the Sun, planets, stars and nebulae with a range of large scopes on hand, some constructed by members.

Also, twice a year the National Trust invites us to the Tudor house and grounds at Trerice to put on a static display, demonstrations, a video show and a line-up of telescopes. On 20 October we had a crystal-clear Cornish autumn sky in which Saturn, Mars and the Moon were shining brightly. Amazingly, nearly 400 people, young and old, turned up to view these sights and they were not disappointed. It is always a thrill to get a, “Wow!” or, “Amazing!” as Saturn’s rings or the mountains of the Moon are seen for the first time, and very satisfying to be asked so many searching questions about space by excited new viewers of the night sky. Long may it continue!

www.kernowastronomers.com Glynn Bennallick, publicity officer, Kernow Astronomers