Northern groups look to the stars

2009 is the International Year of Astronomy

A new astronomy club has been formed in the far north of Scotland in time to mark the International Year of Astronomy.

The Caithness group involves employees at the Dounreay nuclear power complex.

Meanwhile, Highlands Astronomical Society and Moray-based Sigma will be running events geared towards the international year.

Sigma will also later be holding a talk on "stellar cannibals", massive stars that devour a neighbouring one.

To mark the world-wide celebration, the Moray club will be holding events in Dyke, Lhanbryde, Gordonstoun and Portknockie.

Families attending will be invited to create mock rockets, solar systems and constellations.

In November, the group will host a talk by Amanda Smith of Highlands Astronomical Society on "stellar cannibals".

The Highlands society is to celebrate the year with a talk on Venus, the nearest planet to Earth.

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