2022: Winter Comets & Curry Event with Notebook and Pen

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

• Gates will open at 7pm to be ready to serve the curry at 7.15pm.
• We recommend that you bring a torch (preferably red light if you have one) and please wear warm clothing and sensible, warm footwear.
• No refund can be issued for cancellations within 7 days of the event. If you wish to cancel and it is prior to 7 days before the event, there will be a £5 administration charge which will be taken off the refund. For any event transfer request, there will be a £5 administration charge.
• Parking is on the parking field at the front of The Centre: You will be informed of alternative parking if our usual grass parking area has had to be closed.
• If using Sat Nav, please use ‘Wartling Road’ and NOT our postcode.
• If you are a blue badge holder, there are 5 parking bays available at the back of the science centre, adjacent to our ramped entrance. Please be aware that there are high walkways and domes are accessed by steep narrow stairs.
• Please let us know of any special dietary requirements including vegetarian/vegan/gluten free. We will try our best to accommodate but cannot cater for every individual need.
• Please specify if your booking is with friends/family so we can make sure you are seated together.

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.