County Durham’s stargazers will have the chance to attend an incredible event this weekend.

Killhope Museum in the North Pennines will be hosting a family-friendly extravaganza on Sunday 12th August to celebrate the appearance of the Persied Meteor Shower.

Meteor showers happen when the earth passes through space debris left behind comets and asteroids. This weekend it is hoped that stargazers will be able to see up to 70 shooting stars an hour.

While the Persied Meteor Shower is set to begin at around 10.00 pm, the event at Killhope – which is part of the North Pennines AOB Stargazing Festival – will kick off at 6.00 pm.

The event will begin with some music, courtesy of folk ensemble The Cream Tees. There will also be children’s activities, such as space-themed workshops and water rocket launching.

Professional astronomer and photographer Gary Lintern will be around to chat to visitors and share his knowledge. Visitors will also be able to experience Killhope’s in-house observatory.

Killhope Museum’s operations officer, Maria McArdle, said, “With 60 to 70 shooting stars an hour, we’re promised a spectacular show on Sunday – weather permitting.”

“It should be a fantastic evening for dedicated astronomers and budding stargazers alike.”

If you would like to attend the event, booking is essential. To book tickets – which cost £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children/concessions – please go to www.killhope.org.uk or telephone 01388 537 505.

Killhope is an award-winning museum which mainly focuses on the Victorian lead mining industry. The museum, located in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), boasts a working waterwheel and an underground replica of a lead mine.

At Killhope, you can also enjoy fascinating exhibitions about lead-mining life, art installations and stunning woodland walks, and there is a newly revamped café and shop.

(The photograph in this article was taken by astronomer Gary Lintern at a previous event.)


Get CONSETT MAGAZINE straight to your inbox.

* indicates required

Previous articleLearning for Life
Next articleBlue Jeans On – By Lorraine Weightman
DavidSunderland
David writes about local news, thought provoking stories, and yearns to capture the community spirit with a unique writing style.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here