StarDisc Introduction

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Photo: Jim Bell

INTRODUCTION:

Location: Stoney Wood, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, UK, Planet Earth
Latitude: 53.0859 N Longitude: 1.5781 W
Grid Reference: SK 28356 54381
Designated Parking for Stoney Wood: DE4 4FR
Pedestrian and Disabled Access: DE4 4EN

WHAT'S ON:

CALL OF THE STARS:

The creator of StarDisc shares his extraordinary visionary experiences and invites you to connect with the great beyond in this short film ....

“It’s so beautiful. It's been a very long time since sculpture has moved me to tears, but what can I say... It's absolutely marvelous.” Visitor to StarDisc

StarDisc is a 21st century stone circle and celestial amphitheatre created by Aidan Shingler. It spans 12 meters (40 ft). Carved into black granite is a star chart that mirrors the northern hemisphere’s night sky. The surface of the stone circle is inscribed with the constellations, their names, and a depiction of the Milky Way. Contrasting with the star chart is a perimeter of silver granite on which 12 seats are positioned. The seats denote the months of the year. Dark skies sensitive lighting illuminates StarDsic powered by our nearest star the Sun,

"Throughout my life I have been enchanted by the mystery and magic of the stars. My interest in the stars lies with our emotional response to them; their power to ignite our imagination and sense of wonder. The inspiration for StarDisc stems from a vision to create environments where people from all walks of life can gather, contemplate, and connect with whatever resides beyond the sphere of our world. I describe StarDisc as a temple without walls. I envisage the sparkling stars as neurotransmitters ablaze with intelligence in the vastness of space, illuminating Universe … the Mind of God."

Aidan Shingler 2011

StarDisc was unveiled on September 10th 2011 by BBC The Sky at Night presenter Pete Lawrence. From conception to completion, this artist lead initiative had taken six years. More than one thousand celebrants attended the launch, which was supported by esteemed amateur astronomer Sir Patrick Moore. The event included an under the stars screening of Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

StarDisc has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and staged numerous exciting events. It inspires, entertains, engages and is a highly valued community asset, educational resource and performance space. StarDisc commands stunning views over the Ecclesbourne Valley. It is free to visit and open to anyone and everyone, 24hrs a day, all year round.

STARDISC's 3-FOLD ETHOS:

- Champion the unification of Art, Science and Spirituality.
- Celebrate diversity, common humanity and shared cultural heritage.
- Cherish our home planet, the gift of life and our place amongst the stars.

GUIDED SPACE WALKS TO STARDISC:

LUNAR ECLIPSE FROM STARDIC: 27/07/18

On 27 July 2018, Mars will be at opposition and a total lunar eclipse will be visible over most of Europe and Asia, Australia and South America.

8:50pm Moonrise in the south east
9:21pm Maximum eclipse
10:13pm Total eclipse ends

The Moon will start to leave the Earth’s shadow and enter its penumbra (area of partial shadow)

11:19pm Partial eclipse ends

STARS & STORIES AT STARDISC: 15/09/18

Adverse Camber productions & Derbyshire Virtual School present
Saturday 15 September, 7.30pm, Stars and Stories at StarDisc.

Come and wrap yourself up in an evening of Stars and Stories inspired by the wonders of the universe. Magical stories created and performed by young people and professional storyteller Maria Whatton (The Lunar Men), will capture your imagination and entertain all ages.
Join us for eye-opening stargazing sessions from 6.15pm and after the performance at around 8.30pm!