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National Astronomy Week

Explore dark skies and distant worlds through live demos, hands-on science and interactive activities for all ages.

  • 1st - 9th Feb 2025
  • Live Demos
  • Presenter-Led Shows
  • Hands-on Activities
  • Limited-Time Planetarium Show
  • Connect with Experts & Space Lovers
Deep sky astrophoto
iStock - standret

A Celebration of the Cosmos

Join us at the National Space Centre for a stellar celebration of National Astronomy Week! Across multiple days, we’ll be bringing the wonders of the universe to life with live demos, hands-on activities, and a limited-time planetarium show.

This event is perfect for families and astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're a budding astronomer or simply curious about the wonders of space, there’s something for everyone.

  1. Venus: Our Fiery Twin

    Venus: Our Fiery Twin

    01-02 February

    Mission Venus

    Uncover the secrets of Earth’s fiery twin in this live presenter-led show, where we’ll dive into the extreme conditions of Venus. Explore why it remains one of the most mysterious planets in our solar system and the challenges of landing a spacecraft on its scorching surface

    Trapping Heat

    Get hands-on with this interactive table-top activity. Learn about the chemicals found in the Venusian atmosphere and how carbon dioxide can trap heat, leading to extreme surface temperatures.

  2. Our Night Sky

    Our Night Sky

    03-04 February

    Make Your Own Dark Sky

    Today, over 80% of the world's population lives under light-polluted skies, and in some cities, only a handful of the brightest stars remain visible. Take part in a creative workshop and learn how light pollution dims our view of the night sky.

    Cooking Up a Comet

    Join us for a live demonstration where we explore what it takes to make a comet, how they form and and why they appear the way they do when observed from Earth.

  3. Jupiter and its Icy Companion

    Jupiter and its Icy Companion
    NASA

    07 February

    Mission Europa

    What lies beneath the icy crust of Jupiter’s moon? This live talk will take you on a journey to one of the most intriguing places in our solar system and its harsh conditions where scientists believe extraterrestrial life might just be waiting to be discovered.

    The Solar System in your hands

    Discover the true scale of the solar system with this interactive table-top activity. Using a range of everyday objects, we'll take you through the eye-opening, vast difference in sizes between celestial bodies in our planetary neighbourhood.

  4. Mars: The Next Frontier

    Mars: The Next Frontier
    NASA

    08-09 February

    Mapping Mars

    Explore the Martian surface with this engaging table-top experience. Get a taste of planetary science as you investigate the unique landscape, dust storms, and the future of human exploration on the Red Planet.

    Meteorites from Beyond

    Get up close to real space rocks, including our very own piece of Mars. This interactive activity explores actual pieces of the universe, providing a tangible connection to space and the missions exploring the Martian surface as we speak.

  5. Tetrastar Spaceport

    Tetrastar Spaceport
    National Space Centre

    Weekends Only

    Embark on an immersive ride into space onboard the Tharsis-1 spacecraft. Experience the thrill of launching into Earth's orbit and fly through the martian atmosphere.

    Take part in interactive experiments exploring sample collection from an extraterrestrial world, while using problem-solving skills to ensure your mission lands safely back on our planet.

    Please Note: Tetrastar Spaceport is only available during Weekends and School Holidays

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Event Exclusive: Chase the Moon

Join our Discovery team on an expert-led immersive journey through the cosmos. Marvel at stunning high-definition visuals and cutting-edge technology as we go on a tour of the night sky. Chase the Moon, choose to visit one of four dazzling planets, and uncover a treasure trove of stars!

Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this fulldome show offers a unique perspective on Earth and distant celestial objects.

Solar System Adventure4

The Great Solar System Adventure

Join showman extraordinaire The Great Schiaparelli on a thrilling space-time adventure in his wondrous Observatorium.

From Mercury’s fiery surface to Pluto’s icy expanse, embark on a journey through the Solar System’s wonders and perils. But beware—the Observatorium isn’t just for show; it will plunge you into the heart of the cosmos' deadliest locations.

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We Are Astronomers

Do you know what an astronomer does? Today’s astronomer is not the lone observer of past centuries. We Are Astronomers reveals the global collaboration, technology and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the Universe. Narrated by David Tennant, this exciting 360° fulldome digital show was created in collaboration with UK astronomers.

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Can you chase the Moon and spot all five celestial wonders in our Stargazing Challenge?

During this special week, the Moon will be passing through the sky, sitting beside different planets and familiar stars each night.

Share your photos and experiences with us using #NSCstargazers and become part of this stargazing journey!

Want to know more? Our Discovery Team will be on hand at the Space Centre with exciting tips and fascinating facts about all things space! Make sure to catch the special activities running throughout the week, and don’t miss your chance to ask them your biggest space questions.

 

  1. Challenge 1

    Challenge 1

    01 February

    Can you catch Venus and Saturn positioned on either side of the Moon?

    Look to the southwest around 18:00 on 01 February, at the start of National Astronomy Week, to spot the waxing crescent Moon with the planet Venus sitting just above it and, Saturn a little further below.

    Read More

  2. Challenge 2

    Challenge 2

    All Week

    Can you spot the different phases of the Moon throughout the week?

    Because the Moon orbits the Earth, each day it appears to move across the sky and also change phase as we see different amounts of the reflected sunlight from its surface.

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  3. Challenge 3

    Challenge 3

    06 February

    Can you see Jupiter beside the Moon?

    Sticking to a viewing time of 18:00 on 06 February, look high in the southeast to find the waxing gibbous moon nestled above the planet Jupiter. The pair will be visible throughout much of the night moving westwards and setting in the early hours of the following morning.

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  4. Challenge 4

    Challenge 4

    08 February

    Can you locate three bright stars in a triangle shape with the Moon at the centre?

    On 08 February, we have arguably the trickiest challenge of the week! Still viewing at 18:00, direct yourself to face east-southeast where you should be able to spot the waxing gibbous Moon. If you’re skies aren’t too light polluted, you may notice several bright stars around too.

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  5. Challenge 5

    Challenge 5

    09 February

    Can you find Mars beside the Moon?

    For the final challenge of the week, can you spot Mars right next to the waxing gibbous moon on 09 February. Again, viewing at 18:00. look to the east to find the closest approach of the Moon with a planet this week. Mars’ red appearance will be noticeable even with the naked eye. Its distinctive colour comes from the iron oxide or rust in its soil.

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