See the Wolf Moon through Yorkshire Museum telescope

By Culture24 Staff | 19 February 2010
A photo of the silhouette of a man pointing to the stars in a galaxy

The full moon over York could prove as joyous for astronomy fans as it will for skygazing scavengers in the local forests.

Called the Wolf Moon, the second full moon of the year traditionally heralds the beginning of the end of winter, causing wolves to howl in the coming of spring and the return of a supply of food.

Visitors to the Yorkshire Museum can mark the occasion by taking a close-up look at the shimmering moon through the Museum's 160-year-old telescope, standing in an observatory built in the gardens in 1832.

A photo of an observatory in gardens

The 19th century observatory at the Yorkshire Museum

"This year is a great time of year to get a really good look at a full moon while it is relatively early," says astronomer Martin Lunn, who'll be leading the series of three evening sessions (February 22-24).

"If you have never seen the moon through a powerful telescope before it really is spectacular, and I will be on hand to point out the fascinating landmarks on its surface."

Runs 6.30pm-8pm. Admission free, visit the Museum online for details of further astronomy events.

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