This is London Magazine March Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 22
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Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer explains starlight.
Photo: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
‘ASTRONOMERS TAKE OVER’ THE
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Opening 27 March, Astronomers Take
Over, is a new temporary gallery at the
National Maritime Museum. This playful
hands-on space gives visitors the
opportunity to meet Royal Observatory
Greenwich astronomers, participate in
science demonstrations and ask
questions about space and astronomy. It
is a family-friendly experience suitable
for anyone with an interest in astronomy.
Astronomers Take Over includes a
gallery and a Planetarium where visitors
can learn all about the night sky. A
variety of shows are available, suitable
for a range of ages, all led by an
astronomer. For young visitors, ‘Animals
in Space!’ explores the contributions and
influences of animals, from the space
race to what we see in the stars. ‘The
Night Sky’ provides a classic guide to
the cosmos and ‘Solar System
Sightseeing’ is an introduction to our
celestial neighbourhood.
The gallery covers key areas of our
Universe including zones on Mars, the
Moon and stars and starlight. Visitors
can participate in explainer-led
demonstrations using large inflatables,
try to aim a lander on a Martian crater
and learn about spectroscopy, a brilliant
tool astronomers use to find out what
stars are made of. The immersive Galaxy
Box gives a feel for outer space and
shows how vast the Universe truly is.
In addition to the interactive elements,
the gallery features interviews with experts.
Sir Brian May and J-P Metsävainio, visual
artist and astrophotographer, explain how
technology has changed our understanding
of the Universe. Professor Sanjeev Gupta
shares his work on some of humankind’s
most amazing space missions, including
his work on Mars, and curator Dr Louise
Devoy explores the history of the Royal
Observatory Greenwich.
Science theatre shows will also be
running from 3 April at the National
Maritime Museum. Unboxing the
Universe will be packed with
demonstrations, surprising smells,
experiments and hands-on audience
moments.
ART DECO AFTER DARK AT LONDON
TRANSPORT MUSEUM’S LATE
London Transport Museum in Covent
Garden is opening its doors after-hours
on Friday 20 March for a Museum Late
inspired by its new exhibition, Art deco:
the golden age of poster design, which
explores the enduring influence of the
art deco style through a striking display
of original transport posters,
photography, short films and ceramics.
Visitors to the Late can enjoy
exclusive access to the exhibition and
the Museum’s galleries at this adultsonly evening. Guests will also have the
chance to explore the Museum’s
collection with drink in hand, join in on
craft workshops, dance classes and
enjoy live music performances.
Visitors can try their hand at driving
an Elizabeth line train on the Museum’s
interactive simulator and explore vintage
posters, early Underground maps and
striking design classics from across the
wider collection.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
