Reach for the stars at half term with virtual stargazing at The Twice Brewed

Reach for the stars at half term with virtual stargazing at The Twice Brewed

Families are being invited to take in some indoor astronomy up on Hadrian’s Wall as The Twice Brewed Planetarium launches its series of Virtual Stargazing events.

Having opened earlier this year with a popular programme of planetarium shows, the team at The Twice Brewed’s latest attraction are now welcoming guests to enjoy some real-time stargazing – even when it’s light outside.

Situated in the heart of Northumberland Dark Skies Park, the outdoor stargazing sessions at the pub, which is located on the one of the most dramatic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall near Sycamore Gap, naturally need to be later in the evening during the summer months.

But late nights and young children rarely go hand in hand – meaning some families are missing out on the opportunity to explore the universe.

Resident stargazer at The Twice Brewed, Wil Cheung, said: “When the nights are lighter for longer, families often struggle to stargaze because younger children aren’t able to stay awake late enough for the skies to get dark.

“Now we have the planetarium, as well as our busy programme of outdoor events, we’re also able to offer virtual stargazing, which allows people to enjoy the wonders of the night sky before the dark skies draw in.”

The planetarium’s Virtual Stargazing sessions, which last around one hour, offer interactive and educational experience for both astronomy enthusiasts and novices alike.

Visitors can navigate the night sky in real-time, zooming in on specific objects, and uncovering hidden details about the cosmos thanks to Wil and his team’s expert knowledge.

Whether it’s identifying stars, locating famous constellations, exploring distant galaxies and planets or unravelling the secrets of the Milky Way, those who make themselves comfortable on the planetariums range of reclining deckchairs and beanbags will be immersed in the universe.

They can even see what the skies looked like on the day they were born!

Wil said: “People are blown away when we tell them we can conjure the sky from a particular date – whether that be someone’s birthday, wedding anniversary or another memorable life moment.”

As well as some real-time – and time travelling – stargazing, each Virtual Stargazing session will also include a planetarium show – From Earth to the Universe – which offers a tour of the universe and invites people to soak up the science behind the Sun, travel through Nebulas, get among Saturn’s rings and much more.

And while the early evening planetarium programme was originally devised with families in mind, Wil says there’s another group who are delighted to be able to get their stargazing fix before nightfall.

He said: “The virtual stargazing is also ideal for walkers who have spent all day walking the wall and are looking forward to some great pub food in The Twice Brewed and an early night!”

For full details of The Twice Brewed’s stargazing programme, visit www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk/stargazing