London’s only public planetarium has reopened just in time for half term at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Lead image © National Maritime Museum

The Peter Harrison Planetarium at Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG) reopened on 20 October 2020 as part of the gradual reopening of all Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) sites, which kicked off with the Cutty Sark reopening its doors on 20 July and the Royal Observatory Greenwich north side reopening on 3 August.

The reopened planetarium will screen three shows – a daily screening of Ted’s Space Adventure for 3-7 year olds in the morning, plus two daily screenings of Phantom of the Universe and One Day on Mars (both for ages 7+).

Tickets for shows must be bought in advance and capacity will be limited to 30 to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

The Peter Harrison Planetarium at Royal Observatory Greenwich screens space adventures daily (photo: National Maritime Museum)

Further Covid-secure measures include careful planning of planetarium seating to ensure that all individuals in a bubble or household are at least two metres from others, visitors aged 11+ are required to wear a mask unless they have medical exemption, and the arms of planetarium chairs will be disinfected between shows.

Across the rest of the observatory, which has been open since 3 August, visitors can find out how the ROG became the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the first state-funded scientific institution of its day, stand on the historic Prime Meridian of the world – where East meets West – and see John Harrison’s ground-breaking timekeepers up close.

Some interactives may not be accessible and audio guides will be unavailable as part of the enhanced safety measures.

The café has also reopened and toilet facilities will be available to visitors, with enhanced cleaning regimes in place.

Planetarium shows

Ted’s Space Adventure is a planetarium show for younger audiences, aged 3-7. Follow the adventures of Ted as he searches the Solar System for the great big bear in the sky, visiting the Sun, the Moon and the Planets. Music and songs have been developed by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in collaboration with local schools. Screens daily at 11am. Adults £10, kids £5.

Phantom of the Universe is a mind-expanding show that reveals our attempts to unlock the mysteries of the universe’s most elusive particles – dark matter. Dark matter makes up the majority of matter in our universe, but is completely invisible, interacting only gravitationally. So what is it, and how do we detect it? Screens daily at 12pm and 2pm. Adults £10, kids £5. Ages 7+.

One Day on Mars is an immersive mission to Mars experience. You’ll dive into the depths of seemingly bottomless canyons and brave the violent winds that sweep across the Red Planet’s icy dunes. One Day on Mars will take you to a world that humans could well visit in just a few decades in our ongoing search for life. Suitable for adults and families. Screens daily at 1pm 3pm. Adults £10, kids £5.

Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 8XJ; rmg.co.uk