10 March 2011
Eastbourne’s Napoleonic Fortress has been chosen as a unique venue for a Star Party this weekend to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week.
The Redoubt Fortress on Eastbourne seafront is inviting visitors and star gazers to its gun platform on Saturday evening to try out a variety of telescopes and observe the night sky.
Hosted by Eastbourne Astronomical Society, the free event will offer visitors the chance to see one of the most famous star clusters in the sky, the Pleiades, as well as the Moon at first quarter and planets Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Neil Stanley said “This weekend’s Star Party is a rare opportunity to watch the wonders of the universe up close and completely free to visitors, it makes a unique evening out for spring. Taking place at our wonderful Redoubt Fortress, it is a fantastic location to enjoy marvelling at the night sky and I hope visitors will enjoy seeing some stunning views of star clusters, moon craters and even the rings of Saturn!”
The free event takes place from 7pm - 10pm on Saturday night, with National Science and Engineering Week running from 11-20 March 2011.
Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre, just outside Eastbourne, are getting involved too with a Family Open Evening on Saturday from 6.30pm – 11pm, with one child admitted free with every full paying adult.
And the following weekend from 19-20 March, the Centre will be hosting a Family Fun Activity Weekend, including chemistry experiments for visitors to get to grips with marking the International Year of Chemistry.
For more information on what’s on in Eastbourne this spring or to view special offers for discounted breaks on the Sussex shore visit the VisitEastbourne website or telephone 0871 663 0031.
