Elements in Space

National Space Centre, Leicester, November 16

You can get involved in experiments and activities and meet the chemist who became the first Briton in space.

The visitor attraction is working with the Royal Society of Chemistry to host a day celebrating International Year of the Periodic Table #IYPT2019, in this, the 150th anniversary of the first periodic table. On 6 March 1869 Russian chemist and inventor, Dimitri Mendeleev, published his periodic table of all known elements.

Get involved in some amazing experiments at the National Space Centre to find out which elements exist in space. Secret World of Gases LIVE Show: Everywhere we look there are millions of gas particles, moving around as the air we breathe and the atmosphere we live in. See live explosive demonstrations in the Secret World of Gases live science show. Chemistry in Space: The fantastic Royal Society of Chemistry volunteers will guide you through experiments and activities investigating the chemistry in space. There’s more than you think! (suitable for all ages) Elemental! Search the galleries for hidden elements lurking in the darkest corners of our universe. Find them all to reveal a password to your prize.

Ever wondered what sort of a career you can have from studying chemistry? How about an astronaut? Meet chemist and the first Briton in space, Helen Sharman, at Elements in Space (additional ticket needed). Helen Sharman CMG, OBE is the first British astronaut and a chemist. Helen will talk about her spaceflight and feeling weightless, in particular how elements helped her to stay alive in space, to do experiments and to use the toilet. Tori Tasker, public engagement manager at the National Space Centre, can’t wait, saying: “We are extremely excited for Elements in Space. It’s an honour to welcome the first Brit in space, Helen Sharman, who will help inspire everyone who visits with her amazing story. There’s also loads of great hands on learning for all the family thanks to the team at the Royal Society of Chemistry.”