posted 01-31-2025 09:50 AM               

Put a ring around Saturn as National Astronomy Week chases Moon across 'one of best planet parades in four decades'

Saturn will be the focus of the opening night of National Astronomy Week tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 1) – as a celebration of one of the best 'planet parades' in half a century explodes into life.

The supernova spectacular – featuring almost 300 events across the UK from 1-9 February – launches from the UK's "iconic" Herstmonceux observatory, where stargazers could witness up to seven other worlds through some of the country's largest and most historic telescopes.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are all currently visible in the night sky along with the Moon, while the Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux in East Sussex is also hoping to catch a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune.

Schools, museums, observatories and astronomical societies will all be taking part in National Astronomy Week, while a host of planetariums are honouring its theme with a special, limited edition 'Chasing the Moon' show.

This was chosen because the Moon will go through its phases from a crescent to nearly full during the week, passing each of the brightest planets in turn – except Mercury because it is currently behind the Sun, before coming into view three weeks later.

Each day of the week also has an individual theme to reflect the Moon's journey across the night sky:

• Saturday 1 February: Saturn
  
• Sunday 2 February: Venus
  
• Monday 3 February: Dark Skies
  
• Tuesday 4 February: Ecliptic
  
• Wednesday 5 February: Moon
  
• Thursday 6 February: Star clusters
  
• Friday 7 February: Jupiter
  
• Saturday 8 February: Orion
  
• Sunday 9 February: Mars

"Not since April 1980, when Mars was close and we could see Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, has there been such a fantastic opportunity to see half the solar system in all its glory," said Robin Scagell, chair of National Astronomy Week.

"The aim of National Astronomy Week is to give as many people as possible the chance to see the planets with their own eyes through telescopes – it really is a truly mesmerising sight.

"Don't miss out, because the next opportunity to see four planets so well placed in the evening sky won't come along until 2036!"

This year's National Astronomy Week is the first in five years and ninth since the initiative began more than four decades ago. The events are organised by a committee of UK astronomers whenever there is a significant astronomical event.

Previous National Astronomy Weeks have celebrated the discovery of the planet Uranus (1981), the appearance of Halley's Comet (1986), and close approaches of Mars (2003 and 2020).

Throughout the first week of February there will be public-observing events, storytelling, engaging talks about 'killer' asteroids and other astronomical excitement, and plenty of fun for all ages, including families.

British schoolchildren will also get to grill two astronauts about what it's like in space.

There will be livestreaming of the planets every night of the week through National Astronomy Week's YouTube channel, while telescopes around the UK, and in Spain and Cyprus, will be sending live images.

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), which is sponsoring National Astronomy Week alongside the British Astronomical Association, the Federation of Astronomical Societies and the Society for Popular Astronomy, will be hosting a special event featuring live footage of the Moon, Mars and Jupiter.

The coverage will be led by author Dr Alexandra Loske and RAS deputy executive director Dr Robert Massey, who will open the evening setting the scene for how our understanding of our nearest neighbour developed over time.

Cypriot astronomer Agapios Elia will then showcase realtime imagery of the lunar surface and planets, including craters, mountains, weather systems on Jupiter and the polar cap of Mars. The free event will be streamed on the Society's YouTube channel from 19:00-21:00 GMT on Monday 3 February.

Professor Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: "With the help of the Moon and our solar system's brightest planets, National Astronomy Week will give us a chance to shine a spotlight on just how spectacular the night sky can be.

"The array of events being planned up and down the country is wonderful – including stargazing nights, planetarium shows and fascinating talks for all ages.

"And if we're very lucky, the feast of entertainment may even coincide with a repeat performance of the great aurorae that we have seen during this solar maximum!"

Other festivities during the week include a chance to see award-winning artist Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' artwork at St Albans Cathedral, where it is being exhibited until 15 February.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

The venue is running a host of other activities, including a programme of Moon-themed music by the internationally renowned St Albans Cathedral Choir on Sunday 9 February at 16:00 GMT.

National Astronomy Week will conclude on Sunday 9 February with a 'Night at the Museum' evening at Norton Priory Museum in Runcorn, Cheshire, which is hosting Jerram's mesmerising installation 'Mars', featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface.