Severn Valley SUN-Day – Saturday 28 July 2018

Shropshire Council is inviting people of all ages to join Pete Williamson (BBC Radio Shropshire Astronomer) and the rangers at Severn Valley Country Park to discover the magic of the sun. An event for all the family! 

The full sun. Photo taken by Pete Williamson.

From 12pm-4pm, people can call into the Visitor Centre to have a go at making their own sundial with the park’s rangers.

Between 2pm-5pm there will be a chance to look closely at the sun through special scopes. There will be H-alpha Telescopes set up for people to see intriguing Solar Prominences, active regions, and the Chromosphere. As well as White Light Telescopes to see the photosphere layer of the Sun, and a Calcium K Telescope for people to see the Calcium UV layer of the sun – who knew there were so many different parts to see?

People will also be able to make a stomp rocket with Shropshire Astronomy Group.  These daytime activities are all free to enjoy. 

Then in the evening (7pm-8.30pm) there will be an interesting talk by Pete Williamson on how the sun works and how that affects people here on Earth, as well as how to get into solar astronomy and what equipment people need. Adult £3, Child £2, which includes a drink and biscuits. People should call 01746 781192 to book their place at the talk.

Anyone unable to make it to the event on the Saturday, on Wednesday 25 July there will be a sundial making drop-in session 12pm-4pm, this free midweek activity will give people a taste of the sunny fun to be had at Severn Valley.

 Councillor Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“These events offer fun for all the family, in a beautiful setting. In fact, one of the best in the world after the park recently received another prestigious Green Flag Award. Come along for the chance to see the sun from a whole new perspective..”