An astronomer will encourage his audience to embrace the dark side when he speaks to a Petersfield group on Monday, April 15.

Members of the Petersfield Society will be starry-eyed as the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve will be the focus of their latest talk.

Guests who attend the presentation in the Petersfield United Reformed Church on College Street will learn more about the Clanfield Observatory and its prime and elevated position within the reserve.

Steve Bosley, chairman of the Hampshire Astronomical Group which runs the site, and Dan Oakley, managing director of Darkscape Consulting, will explain the importance of “dark sky status” to astronomers and how light pollution affects their work.

The presentation will begin at 7.30pm with doors open from 7pm. Admission is free and refreshments will be available, look for Petersfield Society at www.eventbrite.co.uk for tickets or more details.