DECEMBER & JANUARY EVENTS AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH
December 2015 | January 2016
Highlights include:
• Watch cult films at London's only planetarium in our Silver Screen Sci-Fi season. December’s screening is the 1982 film, The Thing, while January hosts 2006’s Renaissance
• Enjoy ‘An Evening with the Stars’ in our special after dark experience
Admission charges apply to planetarium shows, Flamsteed House and Meridian Courtyard, courses and some events – see below for details.
Entry into the Astronomy Centre is free.
EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015
The Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015 exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwich displays the spectacular winning images from this year’s competition in the Observatory’s Astronomy Centre. From distant galaxies to our very own Milky Way and neighbouring planets, the entries to this year’s competition reflect our enduring fascination with the night sky. Images on display include the winners from the nine main categories, as well as two special prize winners. Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015 is organised by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with Insight Investment and BBC Sky at Night Magazine. Entry to the Astronomy Centre and to the exhibition is free of charge.
Dates: Until 26 June 2016
Venue: Astronomy Centre, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Times: 10.00-17.00
Admission: Free
SPECIAL EVENTS
An Evening with the Stars
The popular after dark experience at the Royal Observatory Greenwich includes a show in London’s only public planetarium and the chance to look through the gigantic Great Equatorial Telescope at what the night sky has to offer. Plus, spend some time on the Greenwich Meridian with a hot drink, an amazing view and astronomers on hand to answer all your space-related questions.
Dates: 18 and 19 December 2015
15 and 16 January 2016
Times: 17.25-19.25 | 18.45-20.45
Venue: Royal Observatory Greenwich
Admission: £18.00 adult | £16.00 concession | £14.00 child
Advanced booking essential
Age: 7+
Note: In the event of adverse weather conditions observing may not be possible. A presentation by one of our astronomers will replace the observing session. No refunds can be provided.
Silver Screen Sci-Fi Showing – The Thing
From the influential filmmaker, John Carpenter, The Thing has become a cult classic since its inception in 1982. When scientists in the Antarctic discover that a shape-shifting alien has infiltrated their camp and is assuming the forms of those it kills, they set out to try and destroy the beast before paranoia consumes them and dooms mankind. Following the movie there will be a talk from one of our astronomers on the science behind the film.
Popcorn, confectionery, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the Planetarium foyer before the event.
Date: 3 December 2015
Venue: Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Time: 18.00-21.30
Admission: £8.00 adult | £7.00 concession
Age: 18+
Silver Screen Sci-Fi Showing – Renaissance
Starring Daniel Craig, Renaissance (2006) is a stylish black and white animation set in dystopian Paris in the year 2054. In this distant future, the city is a labyrinth where all movement is monitored and recorded, and casting a shadow over everything is the city's largest company, Avalon. As a police captain tries to find a kidnapped scientist, he unwittingly uncovers a dark conspiracy involving the company. Following the movie there will be a talk from one of our astronomers on the science behind the film.
Popcorn, confectionery, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the Planetarium foyer before the event.
Date: 9 January 2015
Venue: Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Time: 18.00-20.15
Admission: £8.00 adult | £7.00 concession | £6 child or guardian
Age: 15+
Royal Observatory Greenwich Christmas Lecture
Join leading space scientist, Professor Monica Grady, as she explores the winter wonderland revealed on the surface of the comet known as ‘The Rubber Duck’ by the pioneering Rosetta spacecraft and its lander, Philae. Grady was involved with the Philae lander project from very early on and also worked on a component of the project – a shoe-box-sized gas analysis instrument – called Ptolemy.
Date: 10 December 2015
Venue: Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Time: 19.00-20.30
Admission: £8.00 adult | £7.00 concession | £6.00 child or guardian
Age: 11+
Think Space Lecture
Find out about the latest research and developments in astrophysics with our Think Space Lectures. No prior knowledge is required, just a healthy dose of curiosity.
Check www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory for more information.
Date: 12 January 2016
Venue: Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Time: 19.00-20.30
Admission: £6.00 adult | £5.00 child or guardian
Age: 11+
ADULT COURSES
Introduction to Astronomy
Taught by Astronomer, Greg Smye-Rumsby, this 6 week course provides an excellent introduction to astronomy from historical, scientific and practical perspectives.
Date: Tuesdays: 5 January – 9 February 2016
Time: 19.00-21.00
Venue: Astronomy Centre, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Price: £78
Digital Astrophotography with a Telescope
A must for amateur photographers and astronomers looking to develop new skills in photographing the night sky with a telescope, this course provides information and advice on equipment, planning shoots and processing images and is taught by Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomer, Tom Kerss.
Participants will require some familiarity with the use of telescopes. For those without experience of using a telescope, the Practical Observing for Beginners course offers an excellent introduction.
Dates: Tuesdays: 5 January – 9 February 2016
Time: 19.00-21.00
Venue: Astronomy Centre, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Price: £78