Solar Astronomy Afternoon

galileo4FullLater this month the father of modern observational astronomy ‘Galileo’ will be at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre as part of a special event.

The Solar Astronomy Afternoon will take place at the Wetland Centre on Saturday 22nd March between 1pm and 4.30pm.

Actor, writer and director Peter Casey who has taught drama in Liverpool schools for 35 years will perform as Galileo in the Lecture Theatre at 2pm, revealing the observations he made of sunspots. He will also be available throughout the afternoon for questions and answers.

In addition to the ‘Galileo’ show visitors can take a look through solar scopes, create willow stars and make a telescope mirror in association with the Liverpool Astronomy Society.

Hannah Clifford, Marketing Manager at Martin Mere said “Following the success of our astronomy evenings, we wanted to offer daytime event suitable for families, so we have decided to have a solar astronomy afternoon – with special guest ‘Galileo’.”

In addition to the solar astronomy event visit our family of otters: Ned, Thai, Penny, Flick and Belle as they are given their daily feeds at 11.30am and 2.30pm where you can watch them play and eat. There will also be den building, pond dipping, an adventure play area and the new wetland wildlife exhibit ‘WOW: is it Weird or Wonderful?’

The special solar afternoon event is included in the usual centre admission (or free to WWT members).

Later that day, back by popular demand is the Astronomy Evening where telescopes will be available for visitors to discover the wonders of the solar system and beyond as well as a series of special talks. The evening event will start at 7pm, admission is £5 per person and places must be pre-booked, please call 01704 895181.

WWT Martin Mere is open every day (except Christmas day) from 9.30am to 4.30pm in the winter months (until 30th March). Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6.  The Centre is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston line by train from Burscough Rail Stations.

  • Share this article