Planetarium
Wynyard Planetarium was opened in 2002, by the renowned Historian of Astronomy Professor Allan Chapman from Oxford University. Since when it has presented education & entertainment based shows to schools, colleges, community groups and the general public; all of whom have shared in the excitement of space & space exploration.
During term-time the planetarium is used largely by schools and colleges throughout the day. Star shows that concentrate on pre-school, National Curriculum key stage material, GCSE astronomy, A-level through to University level astronomy & physics content can be requested. As well as planetarium shows a variety of external activities are available, including our Solar Walk, Celestial Kitchen and joint activities with the Country Park Rangers.
We participate in several remote internet telescope schemes around the world, including both the Faulkes Telescope Project and Telescopes in Education. These allow us to give planetarium shows, or organise visits to schools, that demonstrate live internet control of robotic telescopes and download pictures from space in real-time for classes of children.
Public shows take place twice a month on a Friday evening at 7:30pm and alternate between the ever popular "What's Up in the Night Sky this month?" and a specially written show for the current astronomical season. In the summer months there are some special Sunday afternoon shows and "The Wonders of the Universe". For specific information please see the events leaflet or contact the planetarium (details below). Booking in advance is usually recommended as these shows are very popular and it is advisable to guarantee yourself as seat.
Community and uniformed groups can also book planetarium shows, as can organisations such as Round Table. We even cater for a limited number of children's parties during the year - information available upon request. We also run a number of events for the general in the Countryside Events Programme throughout the year.
The planetarium seats 72, has disabled access and is wheelchair friendly - it would help if disability requirements are mentioned at the time of booking. A maximum of 40 children is recommended at any one time for school parties.
The following services are also available by contacting the planetarium: Ramadan new moon predictions, telescope diagnostics & repairs, weddings, celebratory services (naming ceremonies, renewal of vows, civil funerals & memorial services), star registration and a general science & astronomy information service.
Current Prices:
School visits - £2:00 per child for a show, £1.50 per child for an external activity. Accompanying adults are free.
Community Group & General Public - £3.50 per adult, £2.00 per child/concession, £7.00 per family (2adults + 2 children). External activities are £1.50 per person.
(N.B. School & Community Group visits are subject to a £30 minimum booking fee)
The Planetarium has an active involvement from members of both local astronomical societies: Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society & Durham Astronomical Society. Members of these are on hand at all Planetarium and Observatory events to answer your questions and show you the wonder of a starry night sky.
A visit to the planetarium & observatory will keep you up-to-date with what's happening in the sky year round and is great fun for all the family. For further details contact the planetarium director, Dr Ed Restall on 01740 630544, or e-mail is director@wynyard-planetarium.net - alternatively visit our web-site at www.wynyard-planetarium.net
Wynyard Planetarium and Observatory, entertaining & educating the north-east region and providing educational science support.
