Out of this world
Astronomy day at WWT London Wetland Centre
On Sunday 17 February visitors to WWT London Wetland Centre will have the rare opportunity to get a live close-up view of the surface of the sun with the chance to see its famous sunspots and flares. The surface of this seething ball of nuclear energy will be displayed live on-screen using special equipment.
The display will be set up in the Centre’s courtyard by Astronomia, specialists in astronomy equipment, using solar telescopes so that visitors can see the sunspots, prominences and flares on the sun’s surface in safety.
In addition to the live activity on the sun, visitors will be able to view recordings of solar events that directly affect life and weather here on Earth and experts will be on-hand to explain the complex lifecycle of our closest star.
In the afternoon, visitors will also be able to take part in a ‘Tour of the Universe’ planetarium show. Neil Phillipson, Astronomia’s resident astrophysicist, will take visitors on a jaw-dropping, energetic tour of the planets, stars, galaxies and even supernovae, demonstrating the enormous cosmic scale of some of the most and least recognisable objects in the night sky. The show will take place in the theatre at 2pm, so even if it rains you can still go along for an ‘out of this world’ experience.
These events are free with paid visitation to London Wetland Centre. ‘Tour of the Universe’ lasts approximately one hour and seating is allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Visitors will be able to learn more about astronomy from the experts in the Astronomia shop at London Wetland Centre. As well as the latest equipment for sale, the shop also has a wide range of books and guides about star-gazing.
In addition to the astronomy event visitors to London Wetland Centre on Sunday 17 February will also be able to see birds of prey and join in with a range of bird themed activities as part of the Centre’s Wing Watch half term events.
Find out more: Out of this world - Astronomy day at WWT London Wetland Centre
