A NORTH-East museum is hosting an after-dark event to give people the chance to gaze at the night sky.

The stargazing and astronomy event is taking place at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, on Friday, January 26.

It is being held in partnership with Sunderland Astronomical Society and visitors will have the chance to use “monster” telescopes to look a the night sky and talk to experts.

A mobile planetarium is also being set up in the museum’s Masonic Hall, while there will be a chance to make a planisphere and glow-in-the-dark constellations.

Paul Foster, historic events officer at Beamish, said: “This a fascinating first for Beamish and a new addition to our calendar of events. It’s a brilliant opportunity for visitors to have a look at the night sky above Beamish, guided by experts.

“The planetarium is an exciting addition to the evening and I’m sure visitors will find it enthralling.”

The event takes place between 6.30pm and 9.30pm and admission is by ticket only. They are £5 and there is an additional £1 charge for the planetarium.