Tag: astronomy

Ring to help Scots witness the Eta Aquariid Meteor shower

Ahead of the spectacular Eta Aquariid meteor shower starting from the 19th April, Ring is helping Scots experience the rare astronomical event by collaborating with the UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll).

The initiative follows recent Ring customer footage of an unusually bright shooting star travelling across the English Channel at the incredible speed of 70 km/s. 

Richard and Claire Ward-Jones shared the video with Ring after reports of a meteor shower in their area. When reviewing their Ring Video Doorbell Pro footage, Richard was amazed to see the shooting star light up the sky.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/0-Gh-RyJfqQ

The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower is set to dazzle skies across Scotland’s towns and cities between April 19th and May 28th, with good levels of visibility expected.

To help stargazers witness the meteor shower, the UKFAll and Ring are equipping Scotland and wider UK locations, with 50 of Ring’s Stick Up Cam Pro and Wired Video Doorbell Pro devices, available to those in the best areas to view the shower.

This is sure to be welcome news for over two thirds (70%) of Scots who are interested in astronomy, as reported in Ring’s new survey. The survey also found that half (50%) of Scots are more interested in astronomy now than they were as a child, with 89% of Scots reporting that they observe the night sky in the hopes of seeing a shooting star.

Charlotte Bays, Secretary at the UKFAII commented: “Travelling at speeds of up to 70 km per second, meteors travel faster than any other objects in the sky.

“As a result, shooting stars are usually gone within a second. That’s why meteor showers like the Eta Aquariid are so special, offering lucky stargazers a rare chance to see a once in a lifetime event.” 

Ring’s research also revealed what Scots would wish upon a shooting star, if they were to spot one, with over half of Scots (54%) saying they wish to be happy, while a fifth (19%) of Scots wish to travel.

Other wishes include owning a house (16%) and finding love (14%). This lies in contrast with top wishes from childhood, with one in four Scots having wished for superpowers (25%) as a child, while nearly a quarter (23%) wished to own a puppy, and a fifth (21%) to be famous.

Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring said: “Wishes may change as we grow up, but everyone can appreciate the phenomenal beauty in seeing a meteor shower.

“I’m glad Ring devices can play a small role in helping people capture and share these fascinating moments, and maybe even contribute toward scientific discoveries.” 

From 9th April those living in the top UK viewing areas for shooting stars can apply at www.ukfall.org.uk to receive Ring devices and support UKFAII in the study of astronomical activity in the UK.

Ring is encouraging anyone that captures footage of astronomical events on their Ring device, to send to ukstories@ring.com or tag @ringUK with the video on Instagram. To learn more visit Ring’s blog here.

World Space Week: Simple ways to experience a rare astronomical event

With World Space Week in orbit this week, Dan Green, editor of The Week Junior Science+Nature, provides his simple tips to experience a rare astronomical event, the partial solar eclipse, on Tuesday, 25 October.

The Week Junior Science+Nature this week launched its first guest-edited edition, edited by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist, writer and TV’s ‘Sky at Night’ co-presenter, published to mark World Space Week 2022.

People across the UK will be able to experience a partial solar eclipse on Tuesday, 25 October.

In this rare astronomical event, the Moon’s orbit lines up closely with the Sun. Its dark disc will cross in front of the bright Sun, making it look as if someone has taken a bite out of the Sun. The partial eclipse will last about two hours – starting about 10.10am, it will reach its maximum by 11.00am and will be all done by 11.50am.

Here are four top tips to help you get the best view:

Sight lines in towns and cities are often blocked by tall buildings. Find an open area where you can get a clear view of the Sun.

Never look directly at the Sun, as this could damage your eyes.

To view the event safely, you’ll need eclipse glasses. You can buy them online, or dig out your old pair you kept in a drawer from the 1999 total solar eclipse.

A great way to view the eclipse is with a pinhole camera. Cut a 1-2mm circular hole in a piece of card. Standing with your back to the Sun, hold the card up so Sunlight passes through the hole and falls onto a piece of white paper.

Move the card back and forth until you get a sharp image. The bright dot on your piece of paper will clearly display the partially eclipsed Sun. (You can also get the same effect using a colander.)

The next partial solar eclipse visible in the UK is on 29 March 2025.

Stargazing at New Lanark

Experience stargazing on Scotland’s biggest rooftop garden, at the end of this month, for an out of this world event for all the family.

This event will take place on the evenings of the 31st January, 1st & 2nd of February commencing at New Lanark’s Mill 3 Exhibition Gallery with a family friendly astronomy talk that will open your eyes to the starscape above and give you an insight to the evening ahead.

Following the talk you can take part in cosmic craft activities, including a chance to create your own telescope with real lenses. The event will then move up  to our rooftop garden where telescopes will be provided for observing the skies and stars*.

Join in the games, quizzes and enjoy New Lanark’s pop-up café selling tea, coffee, cakes and child friendly snacks. The Mill Café will be open late selling early dinner to heat you up before the event commences.

Stargazing at New Lanark takes place on Friday 31st January, 1st & 2nd February 2020. Time Slots Available are: 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm.

PRICES Adult/Child £7.00 (under 3yrs free) Family of 3 £16.00 Family of 4 £21.00 Family of 5 £28.00 Family tickets must include 1 adult

Sessions will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your session starts. Each session last approximately 2hrs.

*Groups of 10 per telescope.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes.

The sky clarity is weather dependant. Children must be supervised at all times.

Booking essential!

To book call 01555 661345 or online at www.newlanark.org

For more information about Stargazing at New Lanark World Heritage Site click here.

Researcher calls on amateur astronomers to help with mission to prevent future asteroid impacts

A Queen’s University Belfast researcher is calling on amateur astronomers to help with a European-wide mission helping to prevent future asteroid impacts.

Professor Alan Fitzsimmons from the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s is a senior mission advisor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Hera spacecraft. Continue reading Researcher calls on amateur astronomers to help with mission to prevent future asteroid impacts

Look up to the stars …

New constellations based on modern day inspirational figures created in a bid to get more children across the UK looking up to the stars and interested in the universe  

In a campaign to get more young people interested in the universe, The Big Bang Fair has partnered with astronomers at University of Birmingham to create ‘Look Up To The Stars’: a new set of constellations representing icons from sport, entertainment, science and activism that children are inspired by today. Continue reading Look up to the stars …