by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Stargazing Live is returning to Mote Park later this month.
The free evening is taking place at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Saturday, January 26.
It attracted more than 1,000 people over two days when it was held there for the first time last year.
Linked to the popular BBC Stargazing Live programme, which returned for a third series this week, it will feature telescopes for visitors to use and two planetariums.
Special guest will be Greg Smye-Rumsby from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, who will be giving two lectures, while the Mid-Kent Astronomical Society’s committee member Ian Hargraves will speak on exploding stars and black holes.
Visitors will also be able to find out what it’s like to be an astronaut and see some real meteorite rock and there will be an appearance by Doctor Telescope who will be able to diagnose any problems with equipment.
It starts at 6.30pm and admission to the planetariums and astronomy talks is by ticket only – available on entry to the main event.
Visitors are advised to bring a torch, binoculars and a telescope camera, if you have one, and to wrap up warmly, wearing sensible footwear.
Organised by the Mid-Kent Astronomical Society with Maidstone council, anyone with any questions about the event can contact Alan Frith at the council at alanfrith@maidstone.gov.uk.