Space Lates - Planetarium 100
Celebrate 100 years of the planetarium with screenings, talks, workshops, and gallery exploration at the National Space Centre.
- 7th May 2025
- Unlimited Shows
- Tickets from £8.00
- Highly Engaging Talks and Workshops
- Very Limited Capacity
Celebrate 100 Years of the Planetarium – Unlimited Shows, One Ticket!
Join us for a special Space Lates celebrating a century of planetarium magic! Book one show and enjoy access to as many screenings as you like (subject to availability). Immerse yourself in expert talks, hands-on workshops, craft activities, and explore our stunning main floor galleries after hours. Plus, grab dinner or a drink from our café/bar as you make the most of this unforgettable evening.
Take a look around our galleries after-hours and don't forget to join Leicester Astronomical Society outside for a live astronomy session (weather permitting).
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![Centennial Logo Color Star]()
Planetarium 100
The first planetarium opened to the public on May 7, 1925, when the Deutsches Museum opened in Munich. Today, planetariums reveal the secrets of the universe – they are a gateway to space; they inform and inspire by creating audiovisual worlds of experience.
The entire universe can now be represented realistically, allowing everyone to experience distant worlds and the wonders of the cosmos as if they themselves had their very own spacecraft. In addition to vivid representations of scientific content, live concerts, laser shows and other cultural events fascinate visitors. Every visit to a planetarium stimulates the imagination like no other venue can.
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![Space Lates talk on LIVE Space stage]()
National Space Centre About Space Lates
All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.This jam-packed evening is designed to allow you to choose and explore your top picks.
It's not expected that you'll be able to catch everything.You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open.Hot food can be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.
Guest Talks
Head to our Live Space and Shuttle Suites to hear from our expert guest speakers.
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![Paulmowbray Profile 2024 01]()
How to Make an Awesome Planetarium Show
- 19:00 and 20:30
- Paul Mowbray
- Director of NSC Creative, National Space Centre
Did you know the National Space Centre has a world class, award winning immersive production studio onsite in Leicester?
Meet the studio director, Paul, and learn how the team produces awe inspiring planetarium shows that have been enjoyed across the globe by 100 million+ people or all ages and backgrounds.
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![Pete Lawrence 0403]()
Simulated Skies
- 18:15 and 19:45
- Pete Lawrence
- Astronomer
Join Pete to discover how we use planetaria to create a shared learning experience to raise the awareness of the night sky.
He’ll mention the benefits of sky simulations for overcoming issues like poor weather conditions and light pollution as well as giving advice on how to use simulations to help you enjoy the real night sky.
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![Elspeth]()
StarDome - Portable Planetarium
- 18:10, 18:40, 19:10, 19:40 and 20:10
- Elspeth Lewis
- Education Presenter, National Space Centre
Experience a short planetarium show in our portable dome with Elspeth from our Discovery Team, guiding you through some things to spot in the night sky.
Limited capacity: 15-20 people per show.
Not ticketed: attendance will be on a first come, first served basis.
Access: The portable dome requires visitors to sit on the floor. Anyone with mobility issues should let staff know in advance to help facilitate their experience.
Activities
Join our science communication team and Space Lates contributors for engaging hands-on science activities and demos.
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![Zoetrope]()
public domain Create your own Zoetrope
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
- National Space Centre
Projections and animations used in planetaria have changed over time. Use your imagination and have a go at creating the illusion of movement using a zoetrope.
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Runner1928 CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Planetaria Projection Party
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
- National Space Centre
You are cordially invited to the 100th birthday of projection planetaria. Find out the different types of projections that have been used since 1925!
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Make your own Projector
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
- National Space Centre
Get creative and craft your own projector that can display some familiar star patterns in the night sky.
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Stargazing
- 18:00 - 21:00 (drop-in)
Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society to find out more about stargazing and to look through their telescopes.
*weather permitting
Limited availability (first come, first served basis): Bring your own telescope along and members of the Leicester Astronomical Society will happily offer telescope setting-up advice.
Shows in the UK's Largest Planetarium
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![CAPCOM GO!]()
NSC Creative CAPCOM GO!
- 18:15
Fifty years ago the first human walked on the moon… discover the epic story behind this historic moment which will inspire the next generation of explorers, thinkers and dreamers.
Pre-book ONE show when purchasing a Space Lates ticket. You can attend this show, but also any others on the night (subject to availability).
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![We Are Astronomers]()
NSC Creative We Are Astronomers
- 19:00
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. We Are Astronomers, narrated by David Tennant, is an exciting 360° fulldome digital planetarium show with input from UK astronomers.
Pre-book ONE show when purchasing a Space Lates ticket. You can attend this show, but also any others on the night (subject to availability).
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![We Are Stars]()
NSC Creative We Are Stars
- 19:45
Head to the UK's largest planetarium for an immersive and educational journey of stellar evolution in We Are Stars. Narrated by Andy Serkis, join the Time Master to explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, our explosive origins, and the life cycle of stars like our Sun.
Pre-book ONE show when purchasing a Space Lates ticket. You can attend this show, but also any others on the night (subject to availability).
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![TGSSA Landscape 3840X2160 Poster V01 Palais Nologos]()
The Great Solar System Adventure
- 20:30
Join showman extraordinaire "The Great Schiaparelli" as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium. From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is.
Pre-book ONE show when purchasing a Space Lates ticket. You can attend this show, but also any others on the night (subject to availability).
Space Lates FAQs
