19th April 2025 7 pm to 00.30 am
Lyrids Shooting Stars Gift Package includes:
PLEASE NOTE: Gates open at 7 pm and there will be a talk at 9 pm by a guest speaker. All the exhibits will be available for you to explore when you arrive. While you don't need to arrive at 7 pm the gates will be closed at 8 pm so please arrive before then.
If you wish to purchase hot food on the night then our Launch Box catering unit will be open from 7 pm - 8.30 pm before the talk starts. Every purchase helps to support us and The Launch Box serves:
Burger & Fries
Falafel Burger & Fries
Frankfurter Hot Dog & Fries
The Cafe will also be open for hot/cold drinks and snacks.
The April Lyrid Meteor Shower is active between April 15th and April 29th 2025.
It is the oldest recorded Meteor Shower and, according to some historical Chinese texts, the shower was seen over 2,500 years ago; no other modern shower has been recorded as far back in time. The source of the meteor shower is particles of dust shed by the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which takes about 415 years to orbit around the Sun. The comet is expected to be visible from Earth again in 2276...
The evening aims to be both informal and informative. Following the talk, if the weather is nice and clear you will have the opportunity to try and spot some fast moving meteors with the unaided eye and look through the telescopes at other interesting celestial objects.
If the weather is unsuitable for viewing, the talk will go ahead regardless and a comprehensive tour of the telescopes will replace viewing. On the tour you will be taken into domes not open to the public during the day.
We do NOT cancel this event if the weather is unsuitable for viewing.
Numbers are limited to 100 (age 18+ only), so book early to secure your place.
