Stargazing Live 2015 astronomers mark solar eclipse

Our space scientists will be taking part in a spectacular event to mark the solar eclipse on 20 March by demonstrating some of their out-of-this-world research – including how they located and identified Beagle 2 on Mars.

To coincide with Stargazing Live returning to BBC Two, BBC Learning is holding a one-off spectacular live event, open to the general public, on Friday 20 March at Leicester racecourse to coincide with the solar eclipse that will affect the whole nation, the most spectacular in the UK for 16 years.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy will be participating in the event by providing a variety activities for schoolchildren during the day and for members of the public from 6pm to 9pm.

If you have ever wondered…

  • How do we find planets around other stars?
  • What happens to the Earth’s atmosphere during a solar eclipse?
  • How was Beagle 2 found on Mars?
  • How are stars born and how do they die?
  • What do astronauts actually do on the International Space Station?

then come along and find out the answers to these and many other questions.

Admission is free, but the Astro Academy has a limited capacity and so is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

More details at bbc.co.uk/stargazing