Today is Space Exploration Day so we’ve compiled a list of five ‘out of this world’ ways in which you and your group can learn more about space.
1. National Space Centre
The National Space Centre in Leicester is one of the biggest space centres in the UK and is dedicated to space, science and astronomy. The centre has one of the only known Soyuz spacecraft on display in Western Europe, the iconic Rocket Tower, a planetarium – said to be the largest in the UK – and six galleries to explore.
2. Life Science Centre
Head to Newcastle to explore this museum which is part of a science village where scientists, clinicians, educationists and business people work. The planetarium is a hub of space-related activity and groups can experience journeys through space, see real-time Live Skies shows and spot stars and planets throughout the solar system.
3. Spaceport
Spaceport in Merseyside is a visitor attraction that takes visitors on a journey through several themed galleries and offers interactive hands-on exhibits. The attraction features a space dome show, a space ride and an interactive zone, as well as an observatory. Here, groups can view the night sky with one of the world’s largest robotic telescopes.
4. The Science Museum
The Science Museum in London has its own permanent Exploring Space exhibition where groups can marvel at rockets, satellites, space probes and landers. Visitors can learn how we have sent spacecraft to other planets and how we’ve walked the moon, and can see a full sized replica of Eagle, the lander that took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon and back in 1969.
5. Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is home to London’s only planetarium, found at the Planetarium and Astronomy Centre. Groups can visit the interactive Weller Astronomy Galleries, see around the universe from the comfort of their seats, view images of space from around the world with the annual Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition or even hold a 4.5 billion year old meteorite.
