Space Lates is an evening created for people who want to know more – those who have an interest in astronomy, space missions, and the exciting research happening here in the UK, around the world and in space.
On 12 January 2019, from 18:00 until late, the National Space Centre is celebrating deep space and exploring some of the big mysteries of the universe, from how the universe began to gravitational waves and the search for alien life.
A special evening has been curated, packed with guest speakers, planetarium shows, stargazing and live demos. Explore our galleries after-hours and finish your evening with a screening of the film Interstellar. You can book now and treat the space fan in your family for Christmas. Tickets cost £6 with no film and £12 with the film. For full details and how to book: https://spacecentre.co.uk/event/space-lates-deep-space/
Joining Space Lates from University College London will be Cosmologist, Dr Sarah Bosman and Astrophysicist, Francisco Diego. Dr Bosman will examine how galaxies acquired the spiral shapes we see today in an illustrated tour of our cosmic history. Dr Diego will explore what life is and how it developed to the high level of diversity and complexity that we see today. He asks whether we should expect to find alien intelligence everywhere?
Gravitational Waves were first detected in 2015, 100 years after their prediction by Albert Einstein. Dr Chris North, a gravitational wave astronomer at Cardiff University, will explore what this new window on the Universe is telling us, and what we can expect in the future in a talk before the film screening.
You can also take the chance to find out about one of the largest, most extreme objects in the universe – the majestic radio galaxy as Dr Tamela Maciel, Space Communications Manager at the National Space Centre, discusses Black Hole Beasts and where to find them.
Dr Maciel explains why you should come along: “This Space Lates celebrates the biggest and most exotic mysteries of the universe. It’s perfect for anyone who’s wondered the big questions, like how the universe began or if alien life exists. No prior knowledge is required! Just a curiosity and love of space. We’ve got an amazing range of activities and experts on offer and you get the time to explore the Space Centre when it’s a bit quieter.”
Just some of the amazing activities on the night offer visitors the chance to tour the winter night sky from the warmth of the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, grab a hands-on look at meteorites and learn how to catch a gravitational wave, whilst amateur artists will be delighted to learn that we will offer a Sketching Space Session.
The Leicester Astronomical Society will also be on hand to help you gaze through a telescope at the winter night sky as they celebrate the international 100 Hours of Astronomy event! (Weather dependent.)
