Essential information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Key Stage |
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
|
| Curriculum links | Art, Astronomy, Science |
| Session dates | Select Mondays and Thursdays in November 2026, February and April 2027 |
| Capacity | 30 pupils per session |
| Price | £160 |
What's included?
Here's what's included in a Secondary Discovery Day:
Self-guided visit of our new exhibition, 'Astronomers Take Over'
Royal Observatory Greenwich is undergoing an astronomical transformation. While this is happening, the astronomers who work there have packed up and moved into the National Maritime Museum. This is your chance to meet the astronomers and ask them all the things you have always wanted to know about space. Be careful, though – the crates contain mysteries to uncover. You never know what you might find...
What you will see
Astronomers Take Over is split into zones where you can meet the team, ask your questions and try your hand at some science demonstrations.
This includes:
- Hearing from world-leading scientists to find out how they control Mars rovers from Earth to explore its landscape and conditions, the types of jobs they do and how that could be you in the future
- Hands-on activities to demonstrate what stars are made of and how the light they emit helps us understand their composition
- Exploring how technology has advanced to capture images of objects and galaxies millions of kilometres away
- Entering immersive installations that will highlight the vastness of the Universe.
Planetarium show
An awe-inspiring show at the National Maritime Museum's planetarium, hosted by our expert Astronomers.
ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Inspire your students with the Universe in images. Featuring over 100 images of planets, galaxies, nebulae and the night sky, the exhibition brings cutting-edge astronomy to life through stunning space photography in the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Exhibition.
- Ideal for KS3 and above, the exhibition supports learning in Physics (Space and the Universe), STEM, and Art, helping students explore light, telescopes and astronomical phenomena in an engaging, visual way.
- Students will discover how astronomy connects to potential careers that link creativity and technology together.
Royal Observatory Greenwich Historic Site
Our lovely historic site at the Royal Observatory is also still open for self-guided visits. This will be free for school groups who have also booked a visit to Astronomers Take Over and Astronomy Photographer of the Year, and £1 per person if booked as a standalone visit.
We have downloadable school trails of the historic Royal Observatory site to help you plan your visit.
Please note that the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory Greenwich are separated by a 15-minute walk, including a steep hill.
Please note that the Secondary Discovery Day does not include a lunch space.
Ready to book?
Access information
Please contact ROGEducation@rmg.co.uk if you have further questions, we're happy to help.
Are all spaces wheelchair accessible?
All spaces used in the National Maritime Museum are wheelchair accessible, although the lifts used to access the Lecture Theatre have size and weight limits. Contact ROGEducation@rmg.co.uk if you had further questions.
Do you have provision for blind or partially sighted audience members?
There is a hard copy of the presentation used in the Unboxing the Universe show, which can be used by an audience member to look at images close up if desired. If requested, certain props can be touched or handled before or after the show by blind or partially sighted audience members. Please let us know in advance of your visit, and we can ensure staff and materials are prepared for your student!
Where can I find further information?
Please explore our accessibility web page. You can also email ROGEducation@rmg.co.uk.
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