Space Lates - The Sun

Solar Space Observations of the Sun

• 18:15 and 19:15
• Helen Mason
• Emeritus Professor in Solar Physics – University of Cambridge

The Sun, our star, is in the most active phase of its eleven year cycle, with several large solar flares recently. Join Helen as she highlights the many solar space observatories that have been watching the Sun over the past few decades and the fascinating results they've produced.  Spacecraft are travelling closer to the Sun than ever before, to study the solar wind and its source regions on it, and have completely changed how we view our nearest star.

Chasing Shadows - Eclipse Adventures

• 19:15 and 20:15
• Mike Lancaster and Graham Ensor
• Committee member - Derby and District Astronomical Society, Eclipse hunter

Mike and Graham have engaged in a wide variety of astronomy related studies, activities and adventures for most of their lives which includes many visits around the world chasing solar eclipses. Join then as they share those adventures and show how addictive the experience of being in totality is. Come away with tips and tricks to enhance an eclipse experience and understand how and why eclipses occur.

The Northern Lights: a beautiful phenomenon with impacts on society.

• 18:15 and 20:15
• Darren Wright
• Associate Professor, University of Leicester

Join Darren to explore the causes of aurorae, how they are manifested and observations from a number of sources, including radars and cameras. Ultimately driven by space weather originating at the Sun, aurorae are a measure of energy transfer from near-Earth space into our atmosphere. During dynamic solar events, both space and ground-based infrastructure are impacted which can have significant repercussions on society. 

Partial Eclipse of the Heart

• 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
• National Space Centre

This year, we'll be treated to a partial eclipse on Saturday 29^th March. Find out more about eclipses with our Discovery team and explore the many ways of viewing the solar event safely.

Make your own Sundial

• 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
• National Space Centre

The Sun has been used as a timekeeper for millennia. Let our Discovery team share how sundials have been used to tell the time and have a go at making your own.

Sunspots and Solar Activity

• 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
• National Space Centre

Our sun goes through a cycle of different levels of activity, some of which you may have seen recently. Come and find out what causes sunspots, the northern lights, and other solar phenomena.