Buddies will soon be seeing stars!

Oct 28 2010 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIES with an interest in the solar system will have a rare opportunity to take a peek at Jupiter when the stargazing season starts.

Staff at the Coats Observatory in Paisley have joined forces with the team at the Muirshiel Visitor Centre to get the new season underway.

Stargazers will be hoping the rain passes this week, to leave tomorrow night clear and cloud-free, in order to fully enjoy spectacular views of the stars in the dark skies over Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

And boffins have revealed that elusive planet Jupiter will also be visible, which is a real bonus, although it is large enough to accommodate all other planets twice over ... and still have room left.

The dark sky site above Muirshiel has no interference from the light pollution produced by nearby Paisley and on a clear night the number of stars visible to the naked eye is incredible. Buddies will even be able to see the edge of the Milky Way.

John Pressly, of Coats Observatory, said: “The number of stars you can see from Muirshiel is amazing.

“Even though we can still see many from the observatory, increased light pollution means we only see the brightest stars these days.”

Should the weather prove unkind or cloudy, John will give an illustrated presentation indoors – so there will be stars and planets to look at regardless.

The monthly Muirshiel stargazing evenings, which start at 7pm, are popular so booking is recommended. Call Muirshiel on 01505 842803.

People should remember to wrap up warm for this free event and bring a torch and binoculars if possible.

Hot drinks will be available for purchase in the visitor centre and it’s proposed to conclude the event by 9pm.