There’s a chance to experience the incredibly dark night sky of Bodmin Moor at a free stargazing evening focusing on the wonders of the constellation Orion. 

The stargazing evening will be led by Caradon Observatory and takes place on February 17 at Jamaica Inn.                  

The evening is one of a series showcasing the exceptional quality of the night sky over Bodmin Moor, which was designated as an International Dark Sky Landscape in 2017 after a successful bid by Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory. 

From 6.30pm there will be a free stargazing session, which is open to everyone.  At 7pm there will be a dinner event – please call Jamaica Inn on 01566 86250 to book dinner.  The dinner will be followed by another free stargazing session from 8.30pm onwards.

The first free stargazing session will start at 6.30pm with an array of telescopes, including a 12-inch telescope on loan from First Light Optics in Exeter. 

Weather permitting, there will be the opportunity to see Orion the hunter, one of the best known constellations in the winter sky.

The dinner event will include an introduction to the dark sky designation designation and a talk on star formation in Orion with examples of stellar nurseries, nebulae and stars that will one day go supernova. 

Outside observing will continue after the dinner event at 8.30pm with further opportunities to see Orion, which includes two of the brightest stars in the night sky, Rigel and Betelgeuse.  People should wrap up warm and keep their fingers crossed for clear skies. 

Dr Wayne Thomas from Caradon Observatory said: ‘Orion dominates the winter sky and is one of the most recognisable star patterns.  From the incredible Betelgeuse to the iconic Horsehead Nebula and the jewel in the crown, the Orion Nebula, there is always something to capture the imagination.’