WINCHESTER Science Centre and Planetarium will be hosting a free stargazing event on Saturday.

Ideal for beginners, visitors aged five and over are welcome to learn more about the sky at night.

The evening includes outdoor telescopes and stargazing, drop-in Astronomy Society display stands, hands-on activities including the chance to make a planisphere star map to take home, the chance to try stargazing with binoculars, and drop-in constellation shows where the science centre’s presenters will show visitors how to find their way around the night sky.

Expert advice will be available from Astronomy Society volunteers, alongside the Winchester Science Centre’s planetarium team. Members from Andover Astronomical Society, Cody Astronomical Society, Hampshire Astronomical Group, Newbury Astronomical Society and Southampton Astronomical Society will be in attendance, offering up their expert knowledge and experience.

Free tickets for the beginners’ stargazing night must be booked in advance at winchestersciencecentre.org or by calling 01962 863791.

Stargazing ticket holders also have the option to buy tickets to attend a planetarium show for £7.50 per seat. The Planet Show is a live, presenter-led show suitable for children aged eight and older, where visitors blast off for a flight around the solar system, visiting all the planets on the way.

There are three showings, at 6.30pm, 7.20pm and 8.10pm, with the later showing more suitable for an older audience.