Stargazing sleepover

A group of year 11 students recently slept over in school to take part in some stargazing.

The students first enjoyed a buffet of pizza and garlic bread before heading outside with the telescopes. The sky was a little cloudy but we were able to watch the Moon rise before having a closer look with the telescopes.

Mr Francis Black and Mr Hodgson helped the students to focus their telescopes so that they were able able to see the Sea of Tranquility where Apollo 11 landed! We then explored the area around the Sea of Tranquility studying craters such as Sabine, Ritter and Moltke. After this we started to notice planets becoming visible in the night sky and were  able to see Jupiter through our telescopes.

Mr Hodgson explained that Scientists think Jupiter has 67 moons and that one moon, Europa, may contain extraterrestrial life!  After this we retreated inside for hot chocolate and snacks, and stories from Ancient Greek Myths around the constellation Cassiopeia and galaxy Andromeda.

A great stargazing evening was rounded off with a late night showing of the film Gravity in Lab Four before the students finally feel asleep.