Party with the stars: part deux

Are you watching BBC Stargazing Live? You should be, especially as it features OxSciBlog regular Chris Lintott giving you the chance to (virtually) explore Mars in the citizen science project Planet Four.

Tonight's episode will also see Oxford physicist Jo Dunkley talking about the Big Bang and how scientists are making the earliest picture of the universe using the Planck satellite.

But wait, how can you join in the astronomical fun?

Glad you asked: after last year's phenomenal success Stargazing Oxford is back this Saturday, 12 January: it's a free public event, running 2pm-10pm at Oxford University's Department of Physics with space-related activities for all ages.

Will kids get to make things with 'Astrocrafts'? Check. Will you get the chance to observe the Sun (safely) through solar telescopes and (after dark) use a range of telescopes to observe the stars and get hints and tips on DIY astronomy? Check. Will there be astronomers to answer questions like ''Why do stars explode?'' and ''Is there life on other planets?'', as well as talks on the latest discoveries, workshops, star trails, an inflatable planetarium, and much more besides? Check.

If all that sounds appealing there's no need to book just drop in to the Denys Wilkinson Building, Keble Road, OX1 3RH, on Saturday between 2pm-10pm, (although at peak times there may be short queues and a bit of waiting involved).

We're also tweeting more info and astronomy tips all this week so follow #stargazingoxford or revisit this post on Friday when we'll update it with a list of (hopefully) useful links.

UPDATE: Some useful links and astrotips:

• Read a guide to the planets you can see in the night's sky.
• For advice on getting started check out either the Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group or the Abingdon Astronomical Society.
• Discover when the International Space Station is overhead with ISS Tracker or watch a preview of the planetary movies on show at Stargazing Oxford.
• Improve your chances of seeing the 'Northern Lights' with AuroraWatch UK.