The final frontier
If you have a real love for all things space, there are plenty of events to whet the appetite. Whether it’s seeing Professor Brian Cox on his live tour, getting up close and personal to some real moon rock or simply parking up, putting on a warm coat and looking at the night sky, here’s our guide to where to go to enjoy all things space...
GO TO A PLANETARIUM
Where: Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff
This is not only a science lover’s dream but for anyone who is obsessed with space and stargazing too.
The centre regularly develops and delivers its own shows with stunning presentations which allow visitors – big and small – to explore the night sky.
Call 029 2047 5475 for all the details.
SEE A LEGO VERSION OF TIM PEAKE’S SPACE CAPSULE
Where: Techniquest, Cardiff The LEGO model, which is a replica of the Russian Soyuz Space Capsule, was created by the UK Space Agency and professional LEGO building company, Bright Bricks.
A replica of the space capsule used by astronaut Tim Peake has gone on display at Techniquest in Cardiff Bay.
WATCH JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS ON STAGE
Where: Throughout Wales Centuries before the creation of The Avengers and the Justice League, the ancient Greeks were telling stories of heroes with superpowers that would make Iron Man turn green with envy. Jason is an ordinary human in a world bursting with gods, monsters and superheroes. Assembling a team of mighty Argonauts, he takes the fabulous ship Argo on the ultimate adventure – the quest for the Golden Fleece and Mark Williams’ script sets the action upon an Argo that could as easily be a spaceship as a seafaring ship. Visit www. jasonandthe argonauts. co.uk for the full tour schedule
SPEND SOME TIME IN AN ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY
Where: Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan When: March 31, 7.30pm9.30pm. Timed to follow the BBC’s Stargazing Live Series, Cardiff Astronomical Society will be opening their observatory and will be on hand to present a tour of the night sky and there will also be manned telescopes as well as plenty of stargazing information and advice from experienced astronomers.
Actual observing is weather dependent but if it isn’t possible the observatory will still be open for you to look around and there will be plenty of stargazing advice.
It’s a free event but you need to book as it’s ticket only.
Call 029 2059 0813.
ENJOY THE CARDIFF ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL
Where: National Museum Cardiff When: Saturday, May 6. This is a showcase of all things astronomical so it’s not to be missed for space and star fans.
There will be lunar samples on display, various trade stands, shows in the Techniquest Planetarium, meteorites for sale, and help and advice from members of Cardiff Astronomical Society.
There will be an inflatable planetarium, 3D films, quizzes and stands. It’s free. Visit museum.wales/cardiff
SEE SOME REAL MOON ROCK
Where: National Museum Cardiff Go to the Evolution of Wales and you can fo follow Wales’s journey as it travels across the face of the planet from its origins billions of years ago, with film, sound, light and spectacular specimens.
Prepare for a 4,600 million-year voyage with meteorites, moon rock, fossils and much more.
And, amazingly, a piece of Moon rock from the Apollo 12 mission, on loan from Nasa, is also on display as part of the exhibition – and it’s the most expensive item in the entire museum.
Its value is based on the cost of going to the moon to get another piece.
It is kept in a protective nitrogen environment, only Nasa has a key to open the inner case.