14-year-old Northampton astronomer raises £400 after eclipse party attracts more than 400 people
A 14-year-old astronomer from Northampton has raised £400 for a local astronomy charity after organising his own eclipse party which attracted more than 400 people.
Aston Smith, one of UK Astronomy’s young astronomers, organised the event to share his passion for space and give families the opportunity to experience the eclipse together.
UK Astronomy supported the teenager by donating more than 300 solar viewing glasses and providing one of its telescopes, specially equipped for safe solar observing.
Hundreds of people attended the event, where they were able to safely watch the eclipse, learn more about astronomy and take part in science experiments.
Aston said: “It was everything I’d hoped for and more! I got to do some science experiments, like monitoring the lux levels and the changes of the shadows!
“I also met so many kids who loved seeing the eclipse through our scopes. It was brilliant being able to share it with so many people.”
The event raised £400 for UK Astronomy, which will go towards the charity’s work making astronomy accessible and giving more people opportunities to learn about the night sky.
Ross Hockham, from UK Astronomy, praised Aston for taking the initiative at just 14 years old.
He said: “We are incredibly proud of Aston. Organising an event for more than 400 people would be an achievement at any age, but to have the confidence and enthusiasm to do this at just 14 is remarkable.
“We were delighted to be able to support him with more than 300 solar glasses and one of our telescopes for solar observing, but Aston was the one who took that support and turned it into something really special for his community.
“This is exactly what we want UK Astronomy to inspire. We want young people not just to learn about astronomy, but to feel that it belongs to them and that they can share that excitement with other people.”
Aston’s event was part of UK Astronomy’s wider response to the eclipse, with the charity distributing 3,500 solar viewing glasses free of charge to help people safely experience the event across the country.
Ross added: “The eclipse has shown just how powerful astronomy can be in bringing people together.
“For us, seeing a 14-year-old take the lead, create his own event and inspire more than 400 people is incredibly special.
“We can provide the glasses, the equipment and the support, but young people like Aston are the future of astronomy.”