Tottenhill has been chosen as the venue for the event because of a distinct lack of light pollution – the enemy of anyone trying to get a clear view of the sky at night.

Members of the West Norfolk Astronomy Society will be at the village hall with telescopes at the ready on Monday, October 8, from 8pm.

"It is remarkably free of light pollution. We have extensively researched the borough and this is the best site we could find. We could easily make out star 'factories' where giant clouds of gas are condensing to form new stars, and remnants of explosions," said society member John Clark.

If the weather is not clear, there will be talks on "What you can see with binoculars," and "How the Solar System was discovered".

But if the weather co-operates then galaxies up to 70 million light years away (there were dinosaurs roaming the Earth when the light set-off), star factories, the planet Uranus at two billion miles away and Neptune, at nearly three billion miles away, should be seen through the telescopes.

Refreshments will be provided and children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The cost is £3 or £1 for members and further information contact 01553 679378.