We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
LIVE & ONLINE: Bluedot 2022
Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, 21–24 July
Bluedot returns for four days of music, art and space science, all in the shadow of the iconic Lovell Telescope. Among the treats are talks by physicist Jim Al-Khalili, astronaut Tim Peake, space scientist Monica Grady and BBC Sky at Night’s Chris Lintott, alongside a bill of stand-up comedy, art and music by the likes of Björk and Groove Armada. There’s tons of fun for kids, with science shows, a cinema, hands-on activities and family favourite Brainiac Live. Then, as night falls, visit the pop-up stargazing station for an expert night-sky tour. Day tickets from £35; weekend tickets from £179, including camping. www.discoverthebluedot.com
Live Home Planet
National Space Centre, Leicester Hands-on displays, a giant globe, interactive floors and a spectacular marble run are all part of the newly opened Home Planet gallery at the National Space Centre, designed to inspire visitors to consider the human impact on Earth and our place in the Universe. Booking essential. Adults £16.95, children £13.95. www.spacecentre.co.uk
Live Herschel to Hawkwind
Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, 2 July, 7:30pm Rock guitarist and astronomer Peter Williamson gives an entertaining talk that explores the connection between music and the heavens, including live music and a singalong. Tickets £18; £24.50 with food. bit.ly/3MZhJUi
Live Saturday Stars
Mills Observatory, Dundee, 2 July, 1pm and 2:30pm Come along for family-friendly astronomy-themed craft activities followed by some safe solar viewing through the observatory’s telescopes, all in a magnificent setting on Balgay Hill. Free. To book a place call 01382 307200.
Live Late Night Explorer
Kielder Observatory, Northumberland, weekends, 11:30pm Wonder at the Moon, planets, constellations and galaxies under the guidance of expert astronomers, and use the observatory’s high-quality telescopes. Also enjoy a cosy, log-burning stove and a hot chocolate. Tickets £46. kielderobservatory.org
Live Observatory open evenings
St Martin’s, Scilly, Tuesdays, 8pm and 9pm Dark-sky seekers will find some of the UK’s best views of the stars at the Community Observatory St Martin’s on Scilly. Entry £5. Book at bit.ly/3KUbMX9
Live Space science introduction
Royal Institution, London, 29 July, 11am This holiday workshop for 13 to 15 year-olds explores the Solar System, how maths can calculate the size of the Universe and much more. Tickets £50. www.rigb.org/whats-on