Star gazers are in for a treat when Coats Observatory officer and science curator, John Pressly, visits Paisley and District u3a to share his knowledge of the night sky.
John will be speaking on Thursday 6th November, offering members a fascinating look at the wonders above — as well as Paisley’s long history of weather recording, which dates back to 1858.
u3a chair, Kathy O’Donnell, said: “I love the title of John Pressly’s presentation: ‘Over 140 years of staring into space.’ Our members enjoy learning and John has over 20 years of experience to draw on. Part of his role involves running public viewing nights at Coats Observatory. We’ll find out about this – and Scotland’s oldest public observatory.”
Paisley and District u3a meets on the first Thursday of each month in Paisley’s Salvation Army Hall on Mill Street, Paisley. Refreshments are served from 1.30pm to 2pm before the start of the presentation.
Looking ahead to his visit, John said: “Coats Observatory has a long and fascinating history, and I am looking forward to telling this story to Paisley and District u3a. It often surprises people that we have the country’s first public observatory here in Paisley. Hopefully, this talk will reveal more of the hidden past of this marvellous building and the work carried on within.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about local u3a groups, activities, or how to join can visit https://paisleydistrict.u3asite.uk.
Headline photo & photo credit: John Pressly is Observatory Officer / Science Curator with Renfrewshire Council