The temporary gallery space will open to visitors on the 27th March.
Titled ‘Astronomers Take Over’ the gallery will offer visitors a wide range of opportunities to discover more about space through a variety of schemes and events.
It will include a Planetarium, with live astronomer presented shows, and a science learning space.
Meanwhile, the space will also provide an opportunity for visitors to meet Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers, participate in science demonstrations and ask questions about space and astronomy – ideal for anyone with an interest in astronomy.
A variety of shows will be available according to age all led by an astronomer. For young visitors, ‘Animals in Space!’ explores the contributions and influences of animals, from the space race to what we see in the stars. ‘The Night Sky’ provides a classic guide to the cosmos and ‘Solar System Sightseeing’ is an introduction to our celestial neighbourhood.
The gallery itself will cover key areas of the universe including zones on Mars, the Moon and stars and starlight. Visitors can participate in explainer-led demonstrations using large inflatables, try to aim a lander on a Martian crater and learn about spectroscopy, a tool astronomers use to find out what stars are made of. The immersive Galaxy Box gives a feel for outer space and shows how vast the Universe truly is.
As well as the interactive elements the gallery features interviews with experts. Sir Brian May and J-P Metsävainio, visual artist and astrophotographer, explain how technology has changed our understanding of the Universe. Professor Sanjeev Gupta shares his work on some of humankind’s most amazing space missions, including his work on Mars, and curator Dr Louise Devoy explores the history of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
A scavenger hunt will take visitors on a trail to discover some of the most weird and wonderful items that astronauts have taken into space including a gorilla suit, Luke Skywalker’s lightsabre and an espresso machine.
Talking about the news, Elizabeth Avery, Head of Astronomy at Royal Observatory Greenwich said, ‘Astronomers Take Over is an incredible opportunity to meet the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomy team and try something different. We are very excited to share what we have been working on with our visitors and have some science fun together.’
To find out more and to book tickets visit: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/astronomers-take-over