Throughout the week, observers will have the chance to track the Moon's changing appearance as it moves through different phases and interacts with planets along its path.
Highlights will include close encounters with bright stars and planets, with Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus all positioned for excellent naked-eye observation (Neptune and Uranus will also be visible with optical aid).
A mix of in-person events and online experiences will allow participants across the UK—and beyond—to take part, whether through public observing sessions, live-streamed telescope views, or expert talks from leading astronomers.
In case of poor weather, virtual observations will ensure that everyone can still witness these celestial wonders, with feeds from observatories and astronomers worldwide.
Their website will be used to promote hundreds events taking place during the week, helping connect astronomy enthusiasts from all backgrounds with nearby stargazing locations.
Storytelling sessions, astronomy talks on the mythology of the sky, and special events blending science with folklore will take place throughout the week.
Most of the talks and observation sessions were run by the National Astronomy Week organising team, and these events were all recorded and can still be viewed.
[3] The event was widely announced in the UK, for example in Astronomy & Geophysics magazine,[6] and there is also information on the NAW Twitter page[7] and on Facebook.