Winter Comets & Curry Event: 12th November 2022
Time: 7 pm to 11.30 pm
Maximum 80 places: Adults only.
Winter Comets & Curry Event Gift Package includes:
Lenticular notebook: lined pages, wire bound, 11 cms x 14.5 cms, cellophane wrapped
Exclusive Science Centre pen: outer colours vary
Exclusive Science Centre card with envelope: blank for your own message
The shooting stars, or meteors associated with this event are those arising from the Leonids meteor shower. However, you may also spot some Taurids meteors as Earth passes through the tail end of the Taurids meteor shower.
The Taurids shower marks the time when the Earth passes through the dust trail of comet Encke. The debris left behind by comet Enke is the largest in the inner solar system and it takes several weeks for the Earth to pass through this trail giving an extended period of activity; 20th October - 10th December. The peak activity for the Taurids is actually on the 12th November so we should see a good few bright streaks of light. The phase of the Moon is a waning gibbous which is quite bright and may wash out the least bright of the meteors.
The second meteor shower is the Leonids which occurs as Earth passes through the deris trail left behind by comet Tempel-Tuttle. These meteors are very fast and often leave persistent trains behind them. The peak activity is the evening of the 18th November. The natural limits of the shower are over a much shorter duration than for the Taurids; 15th - 20th November.
While we don't use the telescopes to spot meteors, if the weather does permit you will get a chance to look at some other interesting celestial objects through the large telescopes.
The evening aims to be both informal and informative with a talk presented by a guest speaker. If the weather is unsuitable on themed evenings, the talk will go ahead regardless and a comprehensive tour of the telescopes will replace viewing.
There is a meat or vegetarian curry but there is no alternative menu to the curry. The curry will be served with rice, naan bread and poppadoms. A bar will be available on the evening.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE: We do not cancel Evening events in the event of poor weather.
The Observatory Science Centre reserves the right to cancel an event due to low numbers, in which case an alternative date or full refund would be given.