The planets, stars and mysteries of the universe are coming to Swindon town centre this autumn – with a pop-up planetarium taking over Wharf Green.
Planetarium Go UK will set up a large spherical dome next to the former Tented Market, offering immersive space shows throughout October and November.
Inside the dome, visitors will be surrounded by a 360-degree screen as they travel through the Solar System, explore distant worlds and discover some of the biggest questions in astronomy.
There will be shows aimed at different ages, meaning the planetarium isn’t just for budding astronomers.
Younger children can join Celeste and the Moon on a journey to discover exoplanets in Beyond the Sun, or meet Alan the hamster in 3-2-1 Lift Off, after a mysterious crash lands a damaged robot in his garden.
For older children and adults, From Earth to Universe explores the development of astronomy, the planets of our Solar System and some of the wonders beyond it.
There is also Voyager: The Never-Ending Journey, following the famous Voyager spacecraft as it travels through the Solar System and heads out towards interstellar space.
The screenings last between 25 and 35 minutes, with sessions running from 30 October to 28 November.
Opening times are:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11am–6pm
- Friday: 11am–7pm
- Saturday: 10am–6pm
- Sunday: 11am–6pm
- Monday: Closed
Tickets cost £10 for general admission, with group and student offers available. Children under four can attend free.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said the planetarium was another way of giving people a reason to visit the town centre.
“Wharf Green is a fantastic space right in the heart of our town centre and, as we’ve seen through last year’s Summer at the Green events, it can become a real focal point when we bring something different to it,” he said.
“We want to keep giving people more reasons to come into the town centre, spend time here and enjoy experiences they might not necessarily expect to find in Swindon.”
And a planetarium in the middle of town certainly qualifies as something different.
“Whether you’ve got a child fascinated by space or you simply fancy escaping for half an hour under the stars, I’d recommend booking a ticket and giving it a go,” added Councillor Vallender.
The pop-up is part of the growing programme of events being staged at Wharf Green, giving visitors another reason to stop off in the town centre during the autumn.
