Space days out
From fascinating hardware and rocket launches to planetariums and observatories, Earth is full of out-of-this-world attractions
One day there will be museums on the Moon and Mars, where visitors will be able to see the O probes, landers and rovers that explored them back in the 20th century. But today our own planet has many out-ofthis-world attractions. Just like the universe itself, the world is full of hidden astronomical wonders that deserve exploration. Catching some Sun on a beach is fine, and so is a shopping trip or visit to the theatre during a city break, but for a change, how about a day out where you can learn more about space, space exploration and astronomy?
For anyone wanting to know more about the night sky, there are some wonderful planetariums. Most hold seasonal shows with special themes, and now their projection systems are so technologically advanced that you can enjoy full-dome 3D films as you lay back in your seat. There are many educational space centres that double as observatories in the evening,offering fascinating exhibitions by day and real-life expert-led stargazing by night – and perhaps even the chance to peer through a big telescope.
Elsewhere there are fabulous museums stuffed with natural space-related wonders such as Moon rocks and meteorites from other planets. Many are also home to landmark space artefacts and hardware with incredible stories to tell. A Saturn V rocket, the Apollo 11 capsule and even Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit can all be viewed if you know where to look. More modern spaceships are also on display – the Space Shuttle Atlantis can now be visited in Florida, and if you visit London’s Science Museum you’ll be able to see Tim Peake’s charred Soyuz re-entry capsule on show. Most of the venues on our list also have gift shops, so if you want a souvenir of your visit you’ll be able to buy everything from pens and books to telescopes and a portable planetarium of your very own.
1JODRELL BANK DISCOVERY CENTRE
Marvel at the size of the iconic Lovell Telescope at the UK’s centre of radio astronomy.
Where: Macclesfield, Cheshire Website: jodrellbank.net.
Home to the world-famous Lovell Telescope, a visit to Jodrell Bank makes for an exhilarating day out. Seeing the near 90-metre (295-foot) high radio telescope dish up close is an incredible experience, and you might even see it moving on its rails as it’s aimed at a distant star or galaxy. The Discovery Centre’s modern exhibitions, interactive displays and galleries will help you understand how the telescope works and what it’s looking for.
You’ll also find 35 acres of gardens and arboretum complete with picnic areas, a playground, galaxy garden and the pop-up Potting Shed Café. There’s plenty of extra activity throughout the year too, including the ever-popular fami
