Stargazers heading for old mine

The Peak District National Park Authority has teamed up with Nottingham Trent University to organise an event on Wednesday, August 31 at Magpie Mine, near the village of Sheldon.

Twenty free places are available for the event, which runs from 7.30pm until 9pm and will include short talks from local specialists on the history of Magpie Mine and the “Dark Skies” project.

John Tanner, a research officer for the Peak District National Park Authority and a keen astronomer, said: “This promises to be an unusual event. Magpie Mine has a fascinating past, which people will hear about, but it has been chosen for this event because it is in an extremely dark location well away from streetlights and other sources of light pollution.

“It will give people a whole new experience to visit Magpie Mine in the dark.

“Experts will be on hand to show everyone how to explore the night sky using telescopes and binoculars and see some of the wonders of the universe for themselves.”

To book a place call 01629 816200.