THESE Brownies had stars in their eyes when they visited a planetarium as part of their work towards achieving a stargazer badge.

The girls from Second Chineham Brownies joined 70 other youngsters from other Brownie packs and Cub Scout groups in Hampshire to explore the moon, stars and beyond at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium on Monday.

The centre organised the event as part of National Astronomy Week, from March 1 to 8.

The Brownies and Cubs earned their badge by completing six activities, including a planet quiz, pointing out the Plough, finding the North Star and creating a flicker book to show phases of the moon.

But the highlight of the trip was watching a special show in the planetarium featuring the sky at night.

Alex Boxley, planetarium officer, who is a former Cub Scout, said: “Jupiter is brighter than any other star in the sky at the moment. We are giving the children a few tools to unlock views of the night sky.”

Katy Lane, 10, from Second Chineham Brownies, said: “Most stars join together to form constellations that look like animals like lions and bears. I like finding out about the stories the Greeks told.”

Fellow Chineham Brownie Naomi Read, nine, added: “It would be cool to be an astronaut.” Her seven-year-old sister Bethany said: “I want to be the first girl on the moon. I want to see if it is made of cheese.”

Their Brown Owl, Jane Day, said: “It is Astronomy Week so it is a great time to come and learn about the stars and planets and gain a badge.”

The Science Centre is hosting other astronomy related activities including Saturday Night at the Planetarium on March 8, with a new presenter-led show called Aliens – are we alone.

For more information, visit winchestersciencecentre.org or call 01962 863791.