There are great hands on activities where you can build your own space capsule, get hands on with moon rocks, discover how to identify meteorites and take in a musical star show in the planetarium.
We have been fascinated with the wonders of the universe for centuries. Did you ever dream about becoming an astronaut when you were younger? Perhaps you are one of the millions of people who watched the lunar landings 40 years ago or you have a budding Chris Hadfield or Bonnie Dunbar at home? You can meet real life space scientists whose work is putting Scotland on the map in space exploration and pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology in reaching the farthest frontiers of space!
Stephen Breslin, Chief Executive of Glasgow Science Centre said: “The activities held as part of World Space Week are an opportunity to engage our visitors about astronomy and space science and Scotland’s involvement in these areas. Space exploration and the wonders of the universe captures everyone’s imaginations. From those who grew up with the moon landings in the 70s through to the modern day explorations of Mars.
It is well known that space and astronomy provide major inspirations for young people as they consider their future studies and career options, and it’s critical for us that we continue to attract young people into science and engineering.”
There are lots of fun, interactive space activities to fire your imagination. Take part in a once in a life time opportunity to get hands on with very rare moon rocks, asteroids and space dust from NASA’s Apollo programme! Find out how to identify meteorites for yourself by examining their appearance and testing their unique properties! Plus discover what hidden secrets of the universe these meteorites reveal. You can also become a space engineer and build your very own space capsule! Will your egg astronaut land safely on the moon or will Houston have an omelette?
Boldly go to the planetarium and explore the night sky as it should be seen with thousands of stars above you- a must see for any space adventurer. Across World Space Week, our celestial treasure trove will have shows for stargazers of all ages. Including visitor favourites Kieran and Chris from Let’s Talk About Space. This talented duo will take you on a journey of the solar system and beyond using spoken word, animation, live music and of course… the stunning planetarium projections.
On the 11th of October, the Cineworld IMAX will be showing “In the Shadow on the Moon”, a definitive story of going to the moon, told by those who went. Personal testimonies are interwoven with digitally remastered footage from Nasa film archives, much of it previously unseen. The screening will be followed by a discussion: The Waving Flag: How we really did land on the Moon- exploding the myths from filmmakers and sceptics that we didn’t go to the Moon. Professor Martin Hendry, Professor of Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University Of Glasgow, will lead the discussion.
These special space activities will take place at the Centre between the 4th and 12th of October. For more information, visit www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
Links
Cineworld IMAX at Glasgow Science Centre – In The Shadow of the Moon