Essential Information
| Type | Events and festivals |
|---|---|
| Location |
In Greenwich
|
| Date and Times | 8-17 March 2024 |
| Prices | See page for details |
Uncover the mysteries of time and space this British Science Week with the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
From 8-17 March 2024 we'll be hosting a jam-packed programme of events suitable for all ages.
Meet Royal Observatory astronomers and curators, delve into hands-on workshops, and come behind the scenes at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre to discover the science of museum conservation.
This year's theme for British Science Week is 'Time', so where better to celebrate than at the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time!
Check out what's on below, or sign up to our newsletter to get news and events delivered straight to your inbox.
What’s On
Tap the arrows to explore all British Science Week events.
Online highlights
Find stories, blogs, videos and more to help you explore the mysteries of time and space.
History of the BBC pips
Discover the story behind the Greenwich time pips, first broadcast by the BBC 100 years ago in 1924
The lost chronometer: the timepiece that sailed with Charles Darwin and Sir John Franklin
Learn more about the marine chronometer that journeyed on board HMS Beagle before being lost at sea during Sir John Franklin's disastrous expedition
Time before Greenwich Mean Time: the confusing case of the traveller's watch
Before time became standardised, different areas of the country all kept their own 'local time'. This gold traveller's watch with two minute hands shows how tricky that could be
Think Space Lectures
Listen to astrophysicists from across the UK talk about cutting edge research in space science
What is the Prime Meridian and why is it in Greenwich?
Why was Greenwich chosen as the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time, and what do those terms mean?
Pioneering astronomers: Annie Maunder
Find out more about Annie Maunder, a pioneering astronomer, astrophotographer and science communicator
What is a nocturnal?
Learn more about the nocturnal or ‘nocturlabe’, used for centuries to tell the time based on the movement of the stars
The Greenwich Time Lady: Ruth Belville
Discover the story behind the media sensation Ruth Belville, who brought the correct time from the Royal Observatory to London for almost 50 years.
Resources for schools
Join Royal Observatory astronomers in Greenwich or find teacher resources and activity packs online.
Royal Observatory schools programme
Bookable schools sessions, digital resources, ways to get involved and keep up with what's new - find out about the Royal Observatory Greenwich's school programme and offers
Astronomy Ambassadors Group
Meet other like-minded young people between 16 and 21 years old and become a part of the Royal Observatory's future
Reasons for the Seasons
Have you ever wondered why we have seasons? Do other planets have seasons too? To find out the answers, join the astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich as they explore the reasons for the seasons!
Age of the Universe
A classroom activity in which students use Hubble's law to derive the age of the Universe and consider the assumptions and sources of error associated with this calculation.
What is Light?
Our Universe is a vast and very interesting place and light plays a big part in us being able to understand more about it. To find out how join the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers as they explore more.
Journey times to alien worlds
A classroom activity where students use distance, speed and time and light-years to calculate the time of travel to exoplanets.
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About British Science Week
British Science Week is a ten-day celebration held every year in March, with thousands of events running throughout the UK celebrating science, engineering, technology and maths.
The theme for 2024 is 'Time'. From the mysteries of time travel to caring for historic clocks, Greenwich is the perfect place to explore the science and significance of time. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is proud to partner with the British Science Association to celebrate 30 years of British Science Week.
Find more events taking place around the UK and download free activity packs on the British Science Week website.
