Tue. Nov 19th, 2024
Royal Observatory Greenwich, Meridian Line courtyard (Guidebooks)

Evening with the Moon

Join the Royal Observatory astronomers for an evening of moon-themed family fun, starting with a planetarium show and ending with an opportunity to see the moon through one of the Observatory’s modern telescopes.

12 July 2024 17.30 – 18.45 | 18:15 – 20:00 Suitable for ages 7 and above Royal Observatory Greenwich Adult £16 | Child £8

Silver Screen Science Fiction

A unique movie experience in the Royal Observatory’s planetarium, including a screening of a science-fiction blockbuster, followed by a short talk on the science behind the fiction by a Royal Observatory astronomer.

27 July 2024 18.00 – 21.00 Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Observatory Greenwich Adult £10 | Child £5  https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/silver-screen-science-fiction

REGULAR PLANETARIUM SHOWS

Peter Harrison Planetarium

The Peter Harrison Planetarium, featuring state-of-the-art technology, is the only public planetarium in London and is the centrepiece of the Royal Observatory’s Astronomy Centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please allow enough time to get to us and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show’s start time, as latecomers cannot be admitted.

Astronomy and Islam: The Sun

Held before the New Crescent Moon, a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer will guide ticketholders through the stars in a special planetarium show followed by a short presentation by the New Crescent Society, a Muslim community-led astronomy organisation. This show will explore how the Sun’s position relates to both the times and direction of prayer.

6 July 2024 10:30 – 11:15 Recommended for ages 11 and above Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium £10 Adult | £5 Child | Includes entrance to the Royal Observatory https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/astronomy-islam

Audio Universe

Prepare to be transported inside a special spacecraft to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) to view the stars in the night sky, before lifting off into space to visit the Earth, Moon, Sun and all the planets of the Solar System. Unlike traditional planetarium shows the soundtrack takes the lead role. Each of the objects in space are represented with sounds as well as being presented with the incredible visuals. This means that this show is an immersive experience that can be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision.

Weekends and school holidays 12.30  Suitable for ages 7 and over Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium Adult £12 | Student £8 | Child £6  https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/audio-universe-tour-solar-system 

 We Are Guardians

The world, its peoples and environments are connected and interdependent. From the smallest bacteria to the largest ocean whale; there exists a link between all things. In a world out of balance, We Are Guardians looks at how ecosystems are intrinsically connected and with the increasing use of Satellite Monitoring, examines the links between human activities and climate change.

Daily Weekdays – 15.45 | Weekends and holidays – 15.30 Suitable for ages 7 and over Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium Adult £12 | Student £8 | Child £6 https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/we-are-guardians

Meet the Neighbours

Meet Earth’s next-door neighbours in space in this entertaining, interactive show where the audience vote on which planets to explore in depth, before moving beyond to explore neighbouring stars and galaxies far away in the depths of space.

Weekends and school holidays 14.30 Suitable for ages 7 and over Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium Adult £12 | Student £8 | Child £6 https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/meet-neighbours

Ted’s Space Adventure

Ted’s Space Adventure is the Observatory’s planetarium show aimed at younger audiences. We’ll explore the Solar System with a bear named Ted (and companion Plant), learning about the things we find there and how they affect us.

Weekends and school holidays 11.30  Suitable for ages 3 – 7 Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium Adult £12 | Child £6  https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/planetarium-shows/teds-space-adventure

The Sky Tonight

This live show, presented by a Royal Observatory astronomer, takes visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky on the day of their visit, featuring anything from constellations to meteor showers.

Daily Weekdays – 14:45 | Weekends and holidays – 13.30, 16.30  Suitable for ages 7 and over. Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium Adult £12 |Student £8|Child £6 https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/planetarium-shows/sky-tonight

DISPLAYS AND ACTIVITIES

Earth from Space

A new display at the Peter Harrison Planetarium celebrates Earth’s outstanding natural beauty and creates a vibrant colour-scape centred around our planet through astrophotography, audio-visual and interactive elements. It draws attention to a wide range of Earth observation missions and their vital role in tackling climate change and other issues as well as to highlight how human activity is creating visible, lasting change to our world.

Daily  10.00 – 17.00 Suitable for all ages Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium  Free with entry to the Peter Harrison Planetarium  https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/earth-space

 Young Astronomers Workshop

Come along to make-and-do activities about space at the Royal Observatory and ask the Observatory Explainers your questions about the Universe.

Weekends 11.00 – 14.30 Suitable for ages 4 and over Royal Observatory, Peter Harrison Planetarium Free with entry to the Peter Harrison Planetarium  https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/live-science-astronomy-demonstrations-royal-observatory

Observatory Unlocked

Join the Observatory Explainers in the Meridian Courtyard for talks and activities on a range of topics from uncovering the hidden stories of the Royal Observatory Greenwich to solar observing and hands-on science demonstrations. Observatory Explainers will be happy to answer any questions you might have between presentations.

Weekends 11.00 – 14.30 Suitable for ages 7 and over Royal Observatory Greenwich Free with entry to the Royal Observatory https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/observatory-unlocked

Royal Observatory Audio Guide Tour

Download the Royal Observatory audio guide and find your way round the home of Greenwich Mean Time. We are all used to planning a journey with just a phone in our pocket, but none of that would be possible without the work of the Royal Observatory. Follow the tour as you explore the Observatory and find out how Greenwich become known as the ‘Home of Time’. All that is needed for the tour is a phone and the Smartify app.

Daily 10.00 – 17.00 Royal Observatory Greenwich Free with entry to the Royal Observatory https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory/attractions/royal-observatory-audio-guide

 We recommend that visitors book their tickets online in advance. Admissions prices for the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, as well as Museum special exhibitions can be found online at www.rmg.co.uk/visit. General admission to the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House is free, but visitors will still need to book a gallery entry ticket in advance. For advance bookings and further pricing information please call 020 8312 6608 or email bookings@rmg.co.uk.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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