Heavens Above! Space exploration in South Somercotes

When the annual British Science Week rolled around in March we couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with the British Science Association to host an evening of space exploration at St. Peter's at South Somercotes in Lincolnshire.

Predictably, for a UK event featuring star-gazing, the weather was cloudy with occasional drizzle!

Nevertheless, there was a great crowd and plenty to do, not least exploring our beautiful church, aptly nicknamed the 'Queen of the Marsh'. 

Local astronomy groups provided water-launched rockets and led sessions in making handheld constellation viewers. A light installation from artists Lumen, inspired by the constellation Capricorn, adorned the front of the church and hot chocolate and biscuits were aplenty, to keep scientists of all ages warm.

The event gave us a great opportunity to invite new audiences into one of our beautiful churches and to explore celestial spaces of all types!

What's more, we're already talking to the British Science Association about organising next year's event.  So if you have a scientific-themed idea for our churches let us know and they could be coming to a church near you!

Big thanks to the British Science Association, local volunteer Twink (a perfect name for star-gazing!) and Lincolnshire's local astronomy groups for partnering with us on this event.