Blaauw Observatory open during Night of the Night

The Blaauw Observatory of the University of Groningen is open for the nineteenth edition of the Night of the Night on Saturday 28 October 2023. During this night, when we set the clock back one hour, visitors can stargaze and there are all kinds of astronomical activities for young and old.

The Night of the Night is an initiative of the Nature and Environment Federations to draw attention to the beauty of the night and the consequences of light pollution. This edition is extra special because of the 15-year anniversary of the Blaauw Observatory and there is a partial lunar eclipse this evening.

Looking through a telescope

Night activities are being organised all over the country, calling on everyone to turn off the lights and enjoy darkness. The Blaauw Observatory also joins this initiative. In clear weather, visitors can stargaze through various telescopes. Among others, the Moon, star clusters and the planets Jupiter and Saturn can be admired. Even if the weather does not cooperate, the observatory can be visited. Then images of the universe taken with the Blaauw Observatory's Gratama Telescope will be shown.

Lunar eclipse

The Night of the Night is extra special this year! Not only are we celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Blaauw Observatory, but we can also observe a partial lunar eclipse this evening. Always wanted to know more about the brightest object in the night sky? Astronomer Peter Barthel will give a lecture entitled "The Moon and Us." (in Dutch) For the youngest astronomy enthusiasts, an astronomy craft corner has been set up and a children's quiz will be organised.

Light pollution

Prof. Reynier Peletier will give a lecture (in English) on light pollution, entitled "Light Pollution. What is it and what can we do?" Light pollution has serious consequences worldwide, ranging from impact on ecosystems to disruption of our nocturnal habitat and obstruction of astronomical observations. It is crucial to create awareness about the effects of light pollution and possible measures to address this problem.

Programme

• From 7 p.m. guided tours Blaauw Observatory (every half hour - ENG/NL)

• From 7 p.m. onwards Planetarium show (every 45 minutes - ENG/NL)

• 7 p.m. - 7.30 p.m Children's quiz "Life in the Universe" (NL)

• 8 p.m. - 8.45 p.m. Lecture "The Moon and Us" by Prof. Peter Barthel (NL)

• 9 p.m. - 9. 45 p.m. Lecture "Light Pollution. What is it and what can we do?" by Prof. Reynier Peletier (ENG)