The next event for the Dedham Dark Skies Campaign is the annual Perseids Shooting Stars Party. This will be held at 8:30pm on August 12th at Munnings Art Museum, Castle House, Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex CO7 6AZ. 

There will be two talks about meteors and how to photograph them whilst waiting for the skies to darken. The moon rises just after 9:30pm so there you should be able to observe that as well, plus a display of Meteorites for you to look at.

BOOKING

Please book in advance to allow us to have an idea of the number of guests to expect. Just email dedhamvaleastronomy@gmail.com with the number in your party. Upon receipt detailed directions will be sent.

COST

This is a FREE event, refreshments are also free, but there is a voluntary donation jar to help cover costs. 

ABOUT THE EVENT

There is ample parking at Munnings for about 40 cars. When parking please back in so that you do not illuminate the field if you leave before everyone else. Also if possible please leave using side lights until you clear the garden.

The talks will be held in a marquee and there is use of the extensive garden lawn for observing the shooting stars. No special equipment is required to watch the spectacle, just a reclining lawn chair or a blanket.

If you have binoculars or a telescope that you want to bring along please feel free to do so and astronomers can provide you with assistance in setting it up and using it. If you have a camera and tripod then you can be shown how to image the meteors.

Please note that it will be dark and the ground is a little uneven. You can bring a low powered torch (preferable with a red light) which should be pointed towards the ground at all times.

Although it is the height of summer it can still get chilly during the night time. The ground underfoot is reasonably flat and well drained so normal outdoor footwear is suitable.