There’s an opportunity to spot planets and star clusters at an event celebrating the night sky of Bodmin Moor. 

The stargazing event will be led by Caradon Observatory, based near Upton Cross, and takes place on Saturday, October 21 at Jamaica Inn.

The event is one of a series showcasing the night sky over Bodmin Moor, which was designated as an International Dark Sky Landscape in July after a successful bid by Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory.

The dark sky evening on October 21 will be in two parts. At 7pm there will be a dinner (call Jamaica Inn on 01566 86250 to book). This will be followed by a free stargazing session at 8.30pm, which is open to everyone. 

The dinner event will include an introduction to Bodmin Moor’s International Dark Sky Landscape designation and a talk on Neptune and the Cornishman John Couch Adams, who predicted the planet’s existence in the 1800s based on irregularities in the motion of Uranus.

There will also be an opportunity to see Neptune and its moon Triton illustrated on the Magic Planet, an interactive globe that depicts the topography of planets.

The free stargazing session will start at 8.30pm with a chance to chat with the astronomers.

People should wrap up warm and keep their fingers crossed for clear skies.

Outside observing will begin from 9pm.

There will be an array of telescopes for viewing the night sky, including a 12-inch telescope on loan from First Light Optics in Exeter.

At twilight Saturn will be a few degrees above the southwest horizon.  Neptune will be due south at around 10pm. 

Although much smaller than the major gas giants when viewed through a telescope, it will still be visible as a blue disk. Weather permitting, there should also be a chance to see the Andromeda galaxy, a star cluster or two and the beautiful double star, Albireo, at the head of Cygnus, the swan constellation.

Mike Willmott, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Association and Caradon Observatory’s director with responsibility for theoretical astronomy and education, said: ‘Everyone is welcome to join us for this opportunity to view the stars and planets from one of the darkest areas of night sky in the country.’

Sue James, Cornwall Council cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: ‘Bodmin Moor is the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to become an International Dark Sky Landscape, and its dark night sky is just as much of an asset as its beautiful and rugged scenery. Other areas with Dark Sky designations have seen a growing trend in dark sky tourism that we hope will be replicated here, particularly during the darker autumn and winter months.’