A PHOTOGRAPH of the sky at night over RSPB Saltholme near Billingham has been issued to help publicise a new astronomy course at the nature reserve.

The photograph was taken by Andy Hay and shows the empty skies above Teesside.

The four-week astronomy course begins on Saturday, January 9 and will be followed by a special event called An Evening with Saltholme's Stars on Saturday, February 6.

Visitor experience officer Lydia Tague said: “Our astronomy evenings are always really popular so this year we decided that we would give people the opportunity to learn a bit more."

The first lesson in the course, titled Exploring the Universe: an Introduction to Astronomy’ is about the planets. It will be followed on the next three Saturdays with sessions titled: Stars and Constellations, Galaxies and finally The Universe as a Whole.

The course will be classroom-based, with four, two hour long sessions focusing on learning about how to get the most out of the wonders of the night sky, easily viewable from the local area.

Visitors are free to attend the session irrespective of attendance on the four week course, and a light supper will be served to everyone.

Spaces for both the course and the evening event are limited. Call the reception team at Saltholme on 01642 546625 to book.

Prices for Exploring the Universe: an introduction to Astronomy are £38 for all four sessions, or £30 for RSPB members. The price for An Evening with Salthome’s Stars will be confirmed soon.