The Orionid meteor shower is considered one of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year, they are fast meteors and bright. They are known for leaving persistent 'trains' (trails) which can last for a few seconds or maybe up to a minute. They are fragments of Halley's comet.
Come with friends and family and join Dartmoor's Daughter and Dartmoor Skies for a gentle guided walk into the moor; expert talks about the Dartmoor landscape (history and geology) and the origin of the meteor shower; and to feast your eyes on this once a year event. There will also be telescopes set up to view the night skies
Tickets
FEE: £12 per adult. £5 under 18. Family discount 10% for 2 adults with 2 children. Dartmoor Skies is a charity that aims to inspire people about astronomy and science. 50% of the event profits go towards their funding and equipment - Group size is limited so pre-booking is essential. A donation from all walks will also be given to Donate for Dartmoor and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Teams.
Further Information
TIME: Meet 6.15pm for 6.30pm start. We will finish approximately 9.30pm. (Peak viewing is after midnight so you are welcome to stay longer but will be responsible for making your own way back and for your own safety.)
MEETING PLACE: Swallerton Gate car park (under Hound Tor). Grid Ref SX739792. The car park is approximately 2 1/2 miles west of Haytor Vale on the B3387 - from this direction, turn right to Hound Tor & Manaton. Continue for 1 1/2 mile (approx.) to Swallerton Gate Cross - the car park is signposted with a 'P' to the right.
Nearest postcode for SatNav is TQ13 9XG but we don't recommend following a sat nav as it rarely takes you to an exact Dartmoor location. Car sharing is encouraged please. There are no public toilets here.
LEVEL: EASY approximately 1 mile. The walk is a gentle uphill path to a tor where we will sit together for a few hours to enjoy talks and viewing the meteor shower.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Dartmoor is always a degree or more colder than the lowlands, so please wear/bring LOTS of warm layers, hat, gloves, and bring waterproofs (whatever the forecast); sturdy walking boots; drink and snacks (a flask of warm tea can be good on a cold night); and head/torch with red filter (or a rear bicycle lamp works well)
WET WEATHER/CLOUDY SKIES PLAN: If the weather forecast isn't favourable, then instead we will enjoy our evening inside together for talks and slides at a nearby indoor venue. And then if the skies clear we can still take telescopes outside into the gardens.