Earlier this month, some parts of the country, including huge swaths of the north-east and Highlands, enjoyed a fantastic light show.
Clear, frosty skies gave residents the best view of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, for more than a decade and thousands headed outdoors to look up at the skies which were ablaze with colour.
If this has inspired you to look skywards more often, then now is the time to head for Aberdeen Maritime Museum on Shiprow, where there is a fascinating exhibition commemorating the life and work of Sir David Gill, Aberdeen’s most famous astronomer.
Born in 1843, the eldest son of an Aberdeen watchmaker, he grew up to become one of the foremost practical astronomers of his age.
This exhibition, which can be seen only until March 29, explores the story of this local lad and how his passion for science would take him around the world.
The exhibition, which marks the centenary of his death in 1914, brings together important artefacts from his life, including loans from Aberdeen University, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and National Museums Scotland.
This is the first time this material has been shown together on public display.
From beginnings at King’s College, Aberdeen, and working to establish an observatory at Dunecht, David went on to be become Her Majesty’s Astronomer at the Cape Observatory, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1867, president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1907 and the Royal Astronomical Society in 1909.
He was knighted in 1900.
Dr John Reid, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and former Cruickshank Lecturer in Astronomy at Aberdeen University, who researched and curated the exhibition, said: “In his time, David Gill was known the world over for his outstanding contributions to astronomy in the areas of observation, astrophotography, instrument design and the organisation of international research.
“He also has a fine reputation in national surveying. He was born and brought up in Aberdeen and we should be proud of the credit he brought to the city.”
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums curator Jenny Brown said: “This is a chance for the north-east of Scotland to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Sir David Gill and to learn about the science behind his work.
“We hope Gill’s story will inspire young and old alike to explore the stars.”
Aberdeen Maritime Museum, in partnership with Aberdeen University, is hosting a Discovery Talk series which will see speakers take inspiration from the commemorative exhibition.
The last of these takes place at 7pm tonight when Dr Ben Marsden discusses A Brief History of Timelines. Admission is free, but booking is recommended via www.aagm.co.uk
The exhibition runs until Saturday, March 29, 2014.
Visit www.aagm.co.uk