International Year Of Light In Caithness

15th February 2015

Observing and Imaging Eclipses
Friday 13th March,
Castlehill Heritage Centre at 7pm
Talk by CAG, with demonstrations that will provide useful guidance prior to
the significant solar eclipse on 20th March.
Followed by an after dark observing session if weather permits.

Solar Eclipse Observing
Friday 20th March,
8.30-11am
Join Caithness Astronomy Group to safely observe this significant eclipse
where all but a tiny sliver of the Sun will be hidden by the disc of the Moon.
Location(s) to be confirmed - check CAG website.

Earth Hour Event
Saturday 28th March,
Newtonhill Croft at 8.15pm
Grid ref: ND 362511
A fascinating look at the earth in space, making the most of our unpolluted
Caithness night skies. Slide show and guided star gazing provided by the
local astronomy group, then a night walk to the pond. No astronomy
knowledge needed. Please bring a torch and binoculars if you have them.
Places limited, booking essential.
Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or kirsty.rosie[AT]highland.gov.uk

Painting With Light
Friday 15th May,
Castlehill Heritage Centre at 7pm
Neil Buchan will talk about how the optics and electronics in modern
photographic equipment can be used by photographers to capture light in a
way that produces stunning images. The evening will also include the
chance for hands on use of a variety of optical instruments.

Eat the Sun for Lunch
Tuesday 4th August,
Seadrift Visitor Centre, Dunnet Beach at 11am
Family photosynthesis workshop. Learn about the amazing science going on
inside plant leaves! Demonstrations and hands on activities for kids and big
kids. Booking required. Contact Kirsty on 07500 784123 or
kirsty.rosie[AT]highland.gov.uk

Turning to the Dark Side
Friday 14th August,
Castlehill Heritage Centre at 8pm till late
Dave Jones of the RSPB will kick off the evening with a talk about wildlife
that becomes active and thrives after dark. Followed by a guide to the
sights visible in the local dark skies by Caithness Astronomy Group. The
evening will be rounded off by a short session spotting Perseid meteors and
possibly some of the critters that appear as darkness falls.

2020 Vision: The Future of Astronomical Telescopes
Wednesday 2nd September,
Castlehill Heritage Centre at 7pm
This talk by Prof Martin Hendry will look at the enormous scientific
potential of the next generation of telescopes, and preview some of the
biggest questions that astronomers might be tackling in 2020 & beyond.

The Light of Other Worlds -
Exoplanets and the Search for ET
Friday 2nd October,
Castlehill Heritage Centre at 7pm
Dr Duncan Forgan of the University of St Andrews will
describe how astronomers, physicists, chemists, geologists and
biologists are teaming up to search for life on other planets, and to
look for signs of intelligent life.
Followed by an observing session if the weather permits.

IYL Quiz Night
Friday 27th November,
Castlehill Heritage Centre at 7.30pm
Come along and join the fun at a Light themed quiz night

Web site - www.light2015.org/

All events are free to attend. Schedule is subject to change - check the following weblinks for updates...
www.spanglefish.com/caithnessastronomygroup/news.asp ; http://whatson.caithness.org/

Supported and funded by………
Institute of Physics in Scotland, Caithness Astronomy Group, Caithness Branch of the British Science Association, Castletown
Heritage Society, Highland Council Countryside Rangers, Caithness Biodiversity Group & the RSPB