News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, the Herschel Society and Bath Astronomers will be setting up shop for the day on Sunday 7 August at 15 New Bond Street, Bath from 10am until 4pm, and will be running space and astronomy craft activities for families, as well as showing visitors different types of telescopes and binoculars.

If the weather permits, this will include safely pointing the telescopes with special filters at the sun to see its surface and atmosphere in detail. There will also be the chance to make a sundial to tell the time every moment the sun pops from behind a cloud, as well as donning a 3D Oculus headset to travel around the International Space Station. No booking necessary.

On Monday 8th August, there will be a new free planetarium show, Amazing Space Discoveries of William and Caroline Herschel followed by activities lead by Space Detectives at the Percy Community Centre, New King Street, Bath. To commemorate 200 years since William Herschel’s death, this new 360° show takes families on a journey through space to find out about William and his sister Caroline’s amazing space discoveries, from the planet Uranus to comets and nebulae galore.

After the 30 minute show in the mobile planetarium, join the wonderful Jo from Space Detectives to learn more about planets, constellations and dark skies with hands on science activities and crafts! Activities will be available after the show for one-two hours. The event is suitable for 7+ years and has two show times at 11am and 2pm. Pre-booking is essential by clicking here.

On  Monday 22nd August, Bath Astronomers is reprising the free planetarium show, Amazing Space Discoveries of William and Caroline Herschel. The 30 minute shows commence at 11am and 2pm and are followed by fun activities and crafting led by the Herschel Museum team. The show is suitable for children aged 7+, and pre-booking is essential by clicking here.