space
In a survey carried out by cottages4you, 40 per cent of people admitted that they know little or nothing about the stars and the universe, and only half of us have been to an observatory or looked through a telescope.
The findings highlight the ignorance of the British public when it comes to most things astronomical with one in five people believing man has already walked on Mars. However most Britons recognise their shortcomings when it comes to the night sky, with a whopping 85 per cent asserting that learning about the stars and our solar system should be taught in schools.
cottages4you carried out the research to support their growing number of holiday properties which are ideally placed for stargazing. Fast becoming a popular pastime, cottages4you has plenty of properties available which have on-site telescopes, or which are in areas with the ideal characteristics for observing the night sky.
For those who want to improve on their knowledge of astronomy, or who feel unsure about where to start, now is the perfect time to renew your interest. On the 13th December 2010 stargazers will be able to enjoy the spectacle of the Geminids meteor shower.
Steve Owens, astronomer and UK coordinator for the International Year of Astronomy 2009, has joined cottages4you to help get the nation stargazing. He said: “The research undertaken by cottages4you shows that whilst Britons may not have extensive knowledge about stars and the night sky, there is a desire to learn more.
“Whether you want to find out about the universe around us, or simply be aware of events to look out for and enjoy the spectacular offerings of our night sky, stargazing is a great winter activity and a fantastic way to take advantage of the long dark nights.
For those planning on viewing the shower, Steve has put together some simple and easy tips on what to look out for and what to take with you, when trying to find an ideal spot for stargazing.
The top five tips are:
1. Find dark skies – try and get as far away as possible from the glare of streetlights and the glow of large towns and cities
2. Wrap up warm – a hat, gloves, scarf, sensible shoes and warm clothing are all essential when stargazing in the UK
3. Bring a torch – preferably with a red filter on it (cellophane wrapped onto a normal torch is fine) to help you find your way around without ruining your night vision.
4. Find somewhere safe to observe – a flat, even area of land to avoid stumbles as you move about in the dark, away from cars and traffic
5. Find clear horizons – make sure you get a good view in all directions, as you might want to see a planet as it sets in the west, a galaxy as it rises in the east, or a nebula at its highest point due south
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