CUB Scouts, Brownies, children with epilepsy and people on the autistic spectrum are just some of those who will take part in, and benefit from, a pioneering project called Dark Sky Discovery.
Lead partner is the STFC Daresbury Laboratory near Warrington and the project involves a number of astronomy and environmental organisations hoping inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the night sky.
It is supported through a £176.8k grant, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and awarded through Natural England’s Access to Nature programme.
The aim is identify safe, accessible “Dark Sky Discovery Sites” — places in urban and rural areas where people can take part in stimulating stargazing sessions.
Daresbury Laboratory will be working with regional partners to put on events. An official launch event for the North West region will take place at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre on November 26. The event will be open to the public and if they want to, people can bring their own telescopes to get tips from expert astronomers.
In addition, Daresbury Laboratory will be working with special needs schools to set up sessions at Jodrell Bank, specifically designed for pupils with epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
Alan Brown is lead partner of the Dark Sky Discovery project based at Daresbury Laboratory.
He said: “Having dyslexia myself, I realise the importance of tailoring Dark Sky Discovery events so that they are suitable for people with learning difficulties as well as with other special needs. That’s why I feel passionately about working with different community groups to make astronomy accessible to everyone”.
Daresbury Laboratory will also be hosting a Star Party in early November to help Brownies from Thelwall achieve their Astronomer Activity badge. Activities will include stepping inside a planetarium and taking a tour of the constellations via computer.
More information is available from www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk
CUB Scouts, Brownies, children with epilepsy and people on the autistic
spectrum are just some of those who will take part in, and benefit from,
a pioneering project called Dark Sky Discovery.
Stimulating stargazing sessions
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
