March 2012

March sees the launch of a new free exhibition at the Royal Observatory – Measuring the Universe: from the transit of Venus to the edge of the cosmos. The exhibition, supported by a series of events, marks the 2012 transit of Venus taking place in June, the last one to occur for 105 years. It explores how astronomers used these rare transits to measure the distance to the Sun, giving the first astounding glimpse of how big the cosmos really is, and looks at the other methods used by scientists past and present to gauge the scale of space. The Daytime Sky Watch programme also kicks-off this month with the chance to view Venus through the Observatory’s enormous 28-inch Victorian telescope in special viewing sessions, plus the monthly Saturday Space Explorers workshop offers families the chance to learn about astronomy by making a space-related object.

Please note that the Peter Harrison Planetarium will be closed from 3 March for major refurbishment. It will reopen on 6 April, providing visitors with a new and improved planetarium experience – see the website for updates.

Exhibitions

Measuring the Universe: from the transit of Venus to the edge of the cosmos

To mark the 2012 transit of Venus taking place in June, the last one for 105 years, the Royal Observatory hosts a programme of events and a new exhibition – Measuring the Universe: from the transit of Venus to the edge of the cosmos. In previous centuries these rare transits were used by astronomers to measure the distance to the Sun, giving humanity a first inkling of the incredible scale of the cosmos. The exhibition tells the story of our continuing quest to understand just how big space really is. From Astronomer Royal, Edmond Halley, to Captain Cook, Edwin Hubble and the Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer, Measuring the Universe traces the people and technology which have allowed us to see further and further into the cosmos, from the solar system to the stars and galaxies and out to the afterglow of the Big Bang itself.

Dates: 1 March–2 September 2012
Venue: Astronomy Centre, Royal Observatory Greenwich
Opening times: 10.00–17.00
Admission: Free

Observing Events

Daytime Sky Watch: Venus

Come and take a look through the Observatory’s enormous 28-inch telescope at the planet Venus as it approaches its greatest apparent distance from the Sun on 30 March. Venus remains in an excellent position for observing for the whole of March, before it appears to gradually move closer to the Sun, heading towards the historic transit of Venus, beginning on 5 June, which will not recur for another 105 years.

Dates: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 March 2012
Times: 16.30, 17.10, 17.50
Venue: Royal Observatory Greenwich
Admission: £5 | £15 family ticket
Age: 7+

Family Events

Saturday Space Explorers

These drop-in family workshops offer something new to make and take away each month to help you learn more about astronomy, including star charts, planet finders and much more.

Date: 31 March 2012
Times: 14.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30
Venue: Astronomy Centre, Activity Space
Admission: free
Age: 3+

Planetarium Shows

Peter Harrison Planetarium

The Peter Harrison Planetarium will be closed from 3 March for major refurbishment. It will reopen on 6 April, providing visitors with a new and improved planetarium experience – see the website for updates.

Exhibitions & Galleries

Time and Space at the Royal Observatory

Astronomy Galleries: Situated in the Astronomy Centre, these three visually striking galleries provide opportunities to explore astronomy and our place in the universe. With amazing hands-on exhibits helping to provide answers to big questions, the galleries discover how astronomers study space and explain recent developments in modern astronomy.
Admission: Free

Time Galleries: Explore the importance of time in all our lives through the interactive exhibits in galleries on ‘Time and Longitude’, ‘Time and Greenwich', and ‘Time and Society’.
Admission: £7 adults | Concessions £5
Annual Pass: £10 adults | Concessions £7.50 (valid for 12 months)
Admission price includes entry to Flamsteed House, the Meridian Courtyard and the Meridian building in addition to the Time Galleries.

General Information

Admission to the Astronomy Centre at the Royal Observatory Greenwich is free.
Admission to the Royal Observatory’s historic Flamsteed House, Time Galleries, Meridian Line Courtyard and Meridian Building is £7 for adults, (£5 concessions). An annual pass is also available for adults priced at £10, (£7.50 concessions); this pass allows visitors to return as many times as they like within 12 months for no additional charge.

For advance bookings and further pricing information please call 020 8312 6608 or email bookings@rmg.co.uk
The Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House open at 10.00 and close at 17.00 daily (last admission 16.30).

For updated information prior to visit please visit our web site: http://www.rmg.co.uk or phone 020 8858 4422.

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For further information or images please contact:
Jenny Orton
Royal Observatory Greenwich Press Office
Tel: 020 8312 6545/6732 | 07960 509802
Email: press@rmg.co.uk