No one would claim that Newham is the best place in Britain for looking at the stars, the light pollution from all our homes and street lights means that only the brightest stars are visible.

Surprisingly, this can be helpful if you are new to stargazing, as it makes it easier to see the well known constellations. The centre of West Ham Park is quite a lot darker than anywhere in the surrounding streets, and on a clear night we can show you how to recognise the major stars and constellations, and show you where there are stars being born, growing up, and dying.

Friends of West Ham Park plan to hold an astronomy event over the weekend of 5/6^th February 2022. There will be guided stargazing on both evenings, weather permitting, times to be confirmed.

On Sunday,^,February 6 people will be able to help build a scale model of the solar system in the park, as well as learn about the planets and other aspects of astronomy in an “Ask an Astronomer” event on the park’s bandstand.

This will happen whatever the weather. Two members of the Friends are Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society, and will be happy to talk and answer questions, as well as owning up to what they, and maybe even Brian Cox, don’t know about this fascinating subject.

https://friendsofwesthampark.co.uk/star-gazing/

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