Space Lates - The Sun
An evening curated for people interested in astronomy, space missions, and the exciting research happening globally and beyond.
- 21st Mar 2025
- Tickets from £8.00
- Highly Engaging Talks and Workshops
- Planetarium Show Included
- Very Limited Capacity
The Sun
This month, our Discovery Team will be exploring our nearest star – the Sun. Learn how to safely observe it and find out more about its dynamic nature and the effects it has on our planet.
We’ve curated a special evening packed with guest speakers, interactive workshops, live demos, planetarium shows and stargazing.
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).
Guest Talks
Head to our Live Space Stage and Shuttle Suites to hear from our expert guest speakers.
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![Helen Mason]()
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.
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![Speaker To Be Announced]()
National Space Centre TBC
- 19:15 and 20:15
- TBC
- TBC
TBC
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![Speaker To Be Announced]()
National Space Centre TBC
- 18:15 and 20:15
- TBC
- TBC
TBC
Activities
Join our science communication team and Space Lates contributors for engaging hands-on science activities and workshops.
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![Partial Solar Eclipse In Bay Area]()
Jay Huang CC BY 2.0 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 29th March. Find out more about eclipses with our Discovery team and explore the many ways of viewing the solar event safely.
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![sundial (1)]()
Unsplash 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.
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![Activity to be Announced]()
National Space Centre TBC
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
- National Space Centre
TBC
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![LAS 1.1 (1)]()
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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![05 Planetarium]()
We Are Stars
- Included in Your Ticket
- Award-winning Show
- Seasonal Planetarium Pick
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 this show when purchasing a Space Lates ticket
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![Apollo 13]()
Film Club - Apollo 13
- Optional Add-On
- Rated PG
- Film Starts at 21:00
- Tickets from £8.00
Apollo 13 is a gripping portrayal of NASA's harrowing 1970 mission, starring Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon. A winner of two Oscars, it combines real science with edge-of-your-seat drama, showcasing astronauts’ ingenuity and engineers’ problem-solving brilliance. A tribute to human resilience, it’s both thrilling and scientifically authentic.
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.
Space Lates FAQs
