On Wednesday 12 August, the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse. Around 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, the most seen in this country since the total solar eclipse in 1999, and Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is marking this special day with science shows, space rockets and out-of-this world exhibitions.
What to expect at the Science and Industry Museum for the solar eclipse
Live interactive shows will explore what really happens during a solar eclipse, with spectacular images of the Sun projected on giant screens. The museum’s expert Explainers will also be on hand to uncover the secrets of the celestial event and to help budding astronauts create their own solar eclipse viewer to take home.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Intrepid adventurers can discover more about the Moon and the Sun with a visit to hands-on exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, where they’ll take a journey around the Solar System. Visitors can explore the Mysterious Moon, the only place beyond Earth ever visited by humans.
Familiar faces will be on hand, including the Moon character from the Horrible Science TV show, still grumpy that no one’s visited since 1972. Space explorers can touch a real piece of the Moon that fell to Earth as a meteorite, have a go at launching their own rockets or test their balance during a moonquake.
Sizzling Sun
Things heat up in Sizzling Sun, a glowing zone dedicated to the star at the centre of our Solar System. Guided by Isaac Newton, visitors will grapple with gravity, solar storms and discover how we viewed solar eclipses in the past. They’ll chase solar flares, discover how stars are born and even what they smell of.
Skybolt 2
The galactic good fun continues with an appearance from the 30-foot-tall rocket ship Skybolt 2, hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser. Designed to reach speeds of up to 3,200 mph, Skybolt 2 first flew in September 2017 and still displays some visible marks from its landing. Visitors can revel at the real-life space craft and meet the team behind the rocket.
How to get tickets
General admission tickets for the Science and Industry Museum, including the summer holiday activities, are free and can be booked online.
Tickets for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos are also available to book online. They are priced at £10, with family discount available and under-3s going free.
