We were split into small groups for the activities. We started with powerful binoculars outside the observatory. There was a crescent moon, and if we managed to hold our binoculars steady we could see the craters very clearly. Fred enjoyed this, and chatted with the other boys in our group. Betsy got a bit bored.
Then we went into the observatory. It had clouded over, so the astronomer had a computer programme on his laptop and showed us different constellations. He said that on clear nights you can see the Andromeda galaxy as a 'smudge' in the sky. That smudge contains millions of stars! We'll look out for that one night.
The clouds cleared enough for us to look through the big powerful telescope. It was amazing! The astronomer focused it on a smooth crater on the moon. It had been created by a big impact from a space rock. Lava flowed out from the impact site, and the resulting lava lake cooled to make a smooth crater.
We missed the last two activities as Meg and Betsy wanted to go home. Fred didn't mind leaving early, and said he'd like to come back another time. I'm so pleased that he enjoyed it, I had been in two minds about going. Sometimes I see an outing and get excited about it,and all the kids don't want to be there! I find it hard to decide if it's me who wants to go, or if I think the kids might like it.
Another day in the woods today, this time on the Ashridge Estate. We always go to the same bit, but today our friend Angela guided us to a very old tree. We met at the usual place, and followed her past Ashridge House and some small pretty hamlets. We parked on the side of the road, and headed into the woods.
It was muddy!
We found a star-shaped tree stump.
Betsy and Heather made a home for Betsy's little cuddly mouse.
Then back down the muddy track to the cars. It was a great day.
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