From 3-5 January 2011, Professor Brian Cox will be presenting three very special nights of live astronomy programming on BBC TWO.

The BBC is inviting us, and other astronomy societies, to run a Stargazing LIVE event.

So we are hosting an evening of hands-on activities supervised by the Society's experienced amateur astronomers from 6.00-9.00pm.

At 6.30pm there will be a talk from Brian Curd, the Observatory Director entitled "Isle of Wight and the Universe: Where do we fit in?" At 7.30pm there will be a talk, "Constellations and Starrytelling" by Dr Lucy Rogers, author of "It's ONLY Rocket Science", our very own rocket scientist!

There will also be tours of the dome, ten types of telescopes and various binoculars, Celestron SkyScout (a star finder) and giant binoculars.

The event is free.

No booking is required unless you are bringing a group, in which case please call in advance. Under 18s are very welcome, but note that BBC guidelines require under 18s to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

We will be supplying equipment.

There is parking for up to 30 cars. Refreshments - tea, coffee and cold drinks will be available. In terms of access the parking is on gravel; there is a concrete path to the Observatory and adjacent to the Pavilion with ramp-access to the Observatory. Ground-level access to the Pavilion (for the Talks).

Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the dome upstairs in the Observatory. For directions when passing Amazon World on your left (PO36 OLX), turn right into floodlit parking area for playing field and Newchurch Observatory. Wrap up warm and bring a torch, preferably a red one.

Contact: 07970 965105 or email [email protected]