News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

The William Herschel Society in Bath is running a new programme of solar and star gazing sessions from Thursday 30 July until Saturday 29 August. The sessions, which are suitable for single family or household groups, will be held in the gardens of the Herschel Museum of Astronomy on New King Street in Bath.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to look at the sun through a telescope safely with an experienced astronomer, learn about astronomy and what’s visible to observe in the skies in July and August and find out about the great discoveries of the Herschel’s,” explained Joe Middleton, Museum Administrator at The Herschel Museum.

“All of this will take place from the garden where 18th century brother and sister astronomers William and Caroline Herschel used their homemade telescopes, and where William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus in 1781.

Telescopes will be set up and a team from the museum will be on hand but at a safe distance, to help families interpret the skies above. Pre-booking will be essential, for timed slots.

The hour-long sessions, which are suitable for children from five years old and upwards, cost £20 per group (£18 for NHS workers), take place at timed slots at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 25 July, Thursday 30 July, Saturday 8 August, Thursday 13 August, Saturday 15 August, Thursday 20 August, Saturday 29 August.

To book a session, call the museum on 01225 446 865.