In the shops
The latest books, apps, software, tech and accessories for space and astronomy fans alike
For your home bar Galaxy Dust Rum Liqueur
Cost: £19.99 / $29
From: firebox.com
1 According to scientists, Sagittarius B2 – a giant cloud of gas and dust 390 light years from the centre of the Milky Way – ‘smells’ like rum and ‘tastes’ like raspberries. Why not treat yourself to a drink that captures the essence of our galaxy. Enjoy it neat or make your own cosmic cocktails – all in the name of science. Made from an exquisite blend of white rum and sweet tart raspberries, this liqueur shimmers like stardust when you give it a swirl.
This vegan-friendly rum liqueur is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The 50cl bottle is 20% ABV.
For summer Space Age Rocket Ice Lolly Moulds
Cost: £5.95 (approx. $8.25)
From: rexlondon.com
2 Take your summer refreshments to a whole new level with these quirky ice lolly moulds.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to come up with some jaw-droppingly delicious lolly ideas that would make for the perfect treat on a hot summer’s day. Simply fill the moulds with your choice of juice, smoothies or even yoghurt, then pop in the freezer and wait. Each mould measures ten centimetres (3.9 inches) in length and three centimetres (1.1 inches) at its widest point, and the handle is 3.5 centimetres (1.4 inches) long.
For accessorising Science Museum NASA Baseball Cap
Cost: £10 (approx. $13.90)
From: Science Museum
3 Created exclusively for the Science
Museum, this NASA cap is the perfect summer accessory to keep the Sun out of your eyes. Feel like part of the NASA crew with this stylish navy-blue, brushed-cotton cap, which is printed in the UK. The baseball cap is designed with everyone in mind. It is available in one size but has an adjustable strap at the back to adjust for the size of your head. This cap would make for a great gift for the space enthusiast in your life.
For reaching fitness goals Planets of the Solar System Virtual Races
Cost: £19.66 / $26.99 per challenge
From: adventure.mypacer.com
4 Set yourself a fitness goal of cosmic proportions with these limited-edition Solar System Pacer Virtual Adventure Challenges. These eight unique virtual races can be completed any time from anywhere in the world. Simply complete the required medal distance using a GPS recording, submit the evidence via email then sit back and wait for your impressive medal to arrive. Distances vary from three kilometres (1.8 miles) for a Mercury medal to a whopping 21 kilometres (13 miles) for Neptune.
For solar observing Explore Scientific Solarix A4 Solar Filter Film
Cost: £19.50 (approx. $27.10)
From: firstlightoptics.com
5 Don’t let the longer days completely hinder your astronomical observations. Why not make your own solar filter and safely gaze at our impressive Sun? Suitable for use on telescopes, binoculars, cameras or even making a pair of eclipse glasses, this filter film creates a natural, yellow solar image. The filter is suitable for use at high magnifications and provides a consistent brightness and density with any aperture. A must-have accessory for anyone wanting to observe incredible solar sights such as sunspots and planet transits.
For timekeeping Swatch Space Collection Watches
Cost: From £70 / $85
From: Swatch
6 The new Swatch Space Collection features six space-age watches with designs influenced by NASA and its iconic spacesuits. This particularly striking watch’s design was influenced by the orange Advanced Crew Escape Suit, affectionately known as the pumpkin suit. This statement watch has the last ten seconds of the watch face timer highlighted in red as a nod to the final countdown to liftoff. The bioceramic watch is two-thirds ceramic and one-third biosourced plastic and is water resistant to 30 metres.
“Make your own solar filter and safely gaze at our impressive Sun”