How To Discover Outer Space Around Bradford This Autumn

Who does not want to explore infinity and beyond? Whether you are a wannabe space scientist or just an avid adventurer, the mysteries of outer space are enough to excite anyone.

However, seeing space does not have to involve getting into a rocket and blasting off. You can look up at the stars from the comfort of your conservatory. If that is not enough, you can also discover outer space in Bradford with these five events.

See Tim Peake’s Spacecraft

If you head to the National Science and Media Museum from the 27th September to the 19th November, you will be lucky enough to witness Tim Peake’s spacecraft. Tim Peake was the UK’s first European Space Agency astronaut, and the spacecraft in question got him to and from the International Space Station. The Soyuz TMA-19M capsule has landed in Bradford especially for this event and will be displayed warts and all, with its outside markings and a fully equipped interior. The spacecraft will also be accompanied by a range of fun activities, including a VR experience narrated by the man himself.  See more here.

Make A Star Garland

From the 23^rd to the 27^th October, there’s plenty of activities to distract the kids during half term. If you head down to the Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth, your children can still get their fair share of space-themed fun. The museum’s ‘Wild Wednesday Drop-In Workshop’ lets you build star paper garlands which you can take home with you; it also looks at how stars have inspired the great poets and artists. Get more info here.

Witness an Interactive Live Show

As well as the show-stopping spacecraft, the National Science and Media Museum are hosting some space-themed events to celebrate. ‘Exploring Space’ is an interactive family show that claims to be out of this world. This educational and exciting show will look into telescopes, satellites and rockets, exploring what chemistry and colours can tell us about planets and stars. This event takes place every Saturday from the 30^th September to the 19^th November. Book free tickets here.

See Space-Themed Films

As another celebration of the Soyuz TMA-19M capsule, Picturehouse Bradford is also getting involved. From the 18^th September, they are hosting a two-month-long film season, appropriately titled ‘Lost in Space’. During this time they will be presenting space-themed classics such as The Martian, Interstellar, Aliens, Forbidden Planet, Space Station 3D and A Beautiful Planet 3D. To See a little more about what’s on when clicking here.

Build a Rover

Last but not least, is another astronomical event courtesy of the National Science and Media Museum. Again during the October half-term, this event is designed to take your little ones off your hands, while teaching them the inner workings of our galaxy. In galleries one and two of the museum, your children can design, build and test their very own Mars rover or model rocket. There is also a range of other activities such as testing out space gloves and seeing what would happen to your body without a space suit. If your children are under 5, don’t worry because they vary the activities depending on age groups. Find out more here.

We hope you enjoy discovering space this autumn. Remember, if these events are not for you, you can just lie back in your conservatory and look up!