The IOP Wales Physics Forum is on 4 February 2021.

The event is aimed at teachers and educators and we will be focusing on resources and providing you with ideas about how you could run your own virtual event with pupils or groups of young people - all resources will be shared with those who attend.

The night sky is an amazing sight that is free for everyone to enjoy. Do you know what to look for when you look up at a starry sky - do you know where to start?

Do you know your constellations from your planets? Or perhaps you have always wondered what exactly a modern astronomer does as a day to day job?

Join us form the comfort of your own home on a virtual sky at night tour with opportunities to head outside during the session (weather permitting) as well as engaging in numerous space themed activities that could be done at home.

No experience of stargazing is needed, and there will be a chance to ask questions during the workshop.

We will use a freely available programme called Stellarium, which can be found here; Stellarium.org. Content featured will be as seen from northern hemisphere skies (UK).

Booking is essential . We hope to see you there.

Time Topic

17.30 Introduction: observing the night sky

17.45 Intro to Stellarium

18.00 Star patterns in Feb/March – Orion, Taurus and the Pleiades

18.15 Other things to look for – satellites, ISS, Starlink and meteor showers

18.30 Break - go outside and see ISS and Starlink satellites if weather is good!

19.00 Questions re: observations and brief introduction for new arrivals - observing the night sky

19.10 Observing the sky with robotic telescopes

19.15 Earth rotation and the apparent movement of stars

19.30 Free classroom resources

19.45 Q+A, feedback/evaluation

20.00 End