Celestial Calendar for 2016
As scientists reveal they’ve found a ninth new planet in our solar system – there has never been a better time to explore the skies for stars, galaxies and comets.
Our prime position in the Forest of Bowland is a star-gazers heaven – and one of England’s darkest areas making it a dazzling destination both by day and night.
All year round star clusters sparkle like diamonds on black velvet. It is a breath taking scene that adds so much to the unspoilt character of the area and provides the stuff of holiday memories.
Here at the Gibbon Bridge we provide a perfect peeking point for keen astronomers. And the starry-eyed folk at www.forestofbowland.com have revealed some key calendar dates for spying on space.
ASTRONOMICAL CALENDAR FOR 2016
TUESDAY MARCH 8TH – SPECIAL SPRING BREAK OFFER £149.00 PER COUPLE – DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
The giant planet Jupiter will be at its closest approach to Earth, making it the brightest object in the sky after the Moon. Even binoculars will allow you to see Jupiter’s four largest moons, appearing as bright dots on either side of the planet.
SUNDAY MARCH 20TH – SPECIAL SPRING BREAK OFFER £149.00 PER COUPLE – DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
Marked as the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere – the spring equinox brings nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world.
FRIDAY MAY 6TH & SATURDAY MAY 7TH – THREE DAY BREAK OFFER £450 PER COUPLE – DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
Eta Aquarids meteor shower can produce up to 30 meteors per hour at its peak. These are produced by dust particles left behind by the famous comet Halley. Best viewing after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
SUNDAY MAY 22ND – DINNER BREAD AND BREAKFAST £190 PER COUPLE OR CHECK OUT THE THREE DAY OFFER £450 PER COUPLE – DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. A medium-sized or larger telescope will allow you to see Saturn’s rings and a few of its brightest moons.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 16TH – £129 PER COUPLE – DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
Full Moon/Supermoon. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 21ST – £129 PER COUPLE – DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
Orionids meteor shower produces up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. The second quarter moon will block some of the fainter meteors this year, but the Orionids tend to be fairly bright so it could still be a good show. Best views after midnight.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 13TH & WEDNESDAY 14 – See https://www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk/offers for details.
More meteor shows – but the Geminids is the KING of them all. You can see up to 120 multi-coloured meteors per hour at its peak. The nearly full moon will block out the fainter meteors this year but the Geminids are so bright and numerous there is a good chance of a very good show!
WEDNESDAY DEC 21ST – See https://www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk/offers for details.
Winter solstice. As temperatures plunge in the Northern Hemisphere, days grow shorter and it is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy an extra-long observing session. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year.