The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is bringing Stargazing Live to Preston for a free event to share the wonders of space with the local community.

 Astronomy experts from the University are teaming up with the Preston and District Astronomical Society (PADAS) to give visitors a tour of the night sky. The evening was scheduled for the 15 December to tie in with the launch of British Astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station and the BBC Stargazing Live special event which goes out on the same night, however the event has been postponed until 13 January due to bad weather.

 People who have their own telescopes are encouraged to bring them along for advice on how to best use them from PADAS who will also be showcasing some of their own images of the night sky. Budding young astronomers can also get involved through the Little Astronomers Activity Corner with lots of hands-on star themed activities and a chance to win a Galileo telescope.

UCLan lecturer Dr Joanne Pledger from the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy is leading the event. She said: “We’re really excited about harnessing this growing national enthusiasm for exploring the night sky and bringing it to the people of Preston. From little astronomers to keen amateur stargazers there will be something for everyone and the UCLan astrophysics team will be on hand to answers questions about space and stars. It will be a great community event.”

The event will take place from 6pm – 9pm on the Fylde Road Car Park (formerly the site of Goss Graphic Systems) on 13 January 2016 with free parking on campus.

Attendance is free but people are encouraged to register online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stargazing-in-the-city-registration-19704624061so they can be notified if the event has to be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.