Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Clifton Campus has been home to the Trent Astronomical Observatory since it was built in 2006. We caught up with Daniel Brown, an associate professor of astronomy at NTU who runs the NTU Observatory, to find out about what events are coming up in the sky and how you can get involved in astronomy around Nottingham…
What sparked the interest for you to study and teach astronomy?
I’ve always been interested in the sky and how things in the sky change. I recall always noticing Venus as being one of the planets that was more visible from our living room. I always saw that, and then at some point I got a small telescope. It took off from there at a young age, having a small telescope and observing the sun. That carried through my final years at school and then shaped my interest in studying astronomy.
When I came over to Nottingham to run the NTU Observatory, my main drive was to be able to work in and around astronomy and share that knowledge with others.
Can you explain what equipment you have at the NTU Observatory?
The observatory is an actual on-site observatory. The dome houses a fourteen-inch reflecting telescope that uses mirrors to enhance the images, magnify and collect as much light as possible. We also have a slightly larger one that’s half a metre in diameter and collects more light.
These are just some of the examples of the large instruments we use for the general public and for community groups to come in and see. We also have a portable, digital planetarium that we can take out to different places like community centres and events, to share the joy of astronomy and the sky as well.
What would you say is your favourite sky event that you have witnessed?
There are two that I would pick out. One of which is when I was still in my final years of grammar school, there was a total eclipse of the sun that just skimmed the part of Germany where I come from. An equivalent we had here was a partial eclipse some years ago. We had a lot of people visiting as we streamed that event from our observatory.
Highlights of astronomy events that we have held would be turning Robin Hood’s cave in Creswell Crags into an immersive space to read a skyscape poem and then turn it into a planetarium.
Jupiter is a brilliant planet to observe through the entire night. Also, just a pair of binoculars are enough to see the four brightest Galilean moons
What would your advice be for anyone in Nottingham who would like to get involved in astronomy?
Once a month, we offer everyone in the general public to join us for a general astronomy talk. Afterwards, we offer a planetarium show overview of what’s up in the sky and then the opportunity to see our observatory and explore the night sky if the weather permits.
If you have a look at our NTU Observatory Facebook page, there we announce a lot of events. The next Open Dome Event will take place on Thursday 23 November at 8pm on Clifton Campus LT4. This event will be on signs of life on exoplanets and will be delivered by Ian Whittaker (NTU).
You can also have a look at what’s offered by local astronomy groups in the Nottinghamshire region. This could be the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society that operates the Sherwood Observatory or the Bassetlaw Astronomical Society. The Nottingham Astronomical Society also holds talks once a month.
What events are coming up in the sky this November and where is best to watch them from?
Jupiter is a brilliant planet to observe through the entire night as it’s in opposition on 3 November. Also, just a pair of binoculars are enough to see the four brightest Galilean moons.
Saturn is out and about as well in November, having just been in opposition, and is visible throughout the night. Venus is also a brilliant morning star that rises around four hours before the Sun does.
You don’t need to go to a dark sky site, just find a spot where you won’t suffer from direct lights such as streetlights. Wait for a bit for your eyes to adapt and you should be able to see at least a few stars. You will be able to find the constellation of Orion and Betelgeuse and you should be able to see the Moon.
Taking your time and being aware of what’s around you, being aware of your surroundings, is essential to calming you down and supporting your wellness. So, observing and enjoying sky-watching and star-watching is definitely something that helps your wellness as well.
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