Astronomers Take Over to open at National Maritime Museum
Opening on 27th March 2026, Astronomers Take Over, will be new temporary gallery at the National Maritime Museum. The “playful hands-on space” will provide a family friendly opportunity to meet astronomers at the Royal Observatory, participate in science demonstrations, and ask questions about space and astronomy.
Astronomers Take Over will include a galley and Planetarium where visitors can learn all about the night sky. A variety of shows suitable for a range of ages all led by an astronomer will be available. For younger visitors, Animals in Space! will explore the contributions and influences that animals have had on the field. The Night Sky will provide a classical guide to the cosmos, and Solar System Sightseeing will be an introduction to our celestial neighbourhood.
The gallery will cover key areas of the universe including zones on Mars, the Moon, and stars and starlight. Visitors will be able to participate in an explainer-led demonstration, using large inflatables, try to aim a lander on a Martian crater, and learn about spectroscopy, the tool astronomers use to know what distant stars are made of.
The gallery will also feature interviews with experts, including Sir Brian May and visual artist and astrophotographer, J-P Metsävainio, who will explain how technology has changed our understanding of the universe.
A scavenger hunt will take visitors on a trail to discover some of the “most weird and wonderful” items taken by astronauts into space, including a gorilla suit, Luke Skywalker’s lightsabre, and an espresso machine.
For more information on Astronomers Take Over at the National Maritime Museum visit the website.
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