WORLD SPACE WEEK

Augmented & Virtual Reality Rooms 

Step into our AR/VR rooms, and transport yourself beyond Earth...🪐🚀

Our interactive simulations include, standing on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo landings, walking the dusty plains of Mars, and even orbiting high above Earth aboard the International Space Station. 

These experiences highlight the achievements of past missions while sparking imagination for future exploration.

We are offering both educational and awe-inspiring visual experiences.
Experiences curated for all ages.

We Think There's Life out There - But How Will We Find It? by Dr. Jacco van Loon

Talk — Dr. Jacco van Loon (Keele Lecturer and Observatory Director)

Dr. van Loon will explain the possibility of life on another planet and how we try to find it; exoplanets, atmospheric compositions, potential samples, types of lifeforms, and other aspects of astrobiology will be discussed.
Ending with an open Q&A.

Suitable for all ages. 

Rocketry 101: Beginners Workshop

Hands-on build and launch fundamentals 

A friendly, step-by-step introduction to rocketry design and building.
Assemble a small model, run pre-flight checks, and discuss post-flight analysis and iterative improvement. 

Covering rocket stability (CG/CP), thrust curves and motor classes, recovery systems, and safe launch procedures.  

Keele Observatory Tour

Day tour & solar viewing at Keele Observatory

Guided tour of observatory instruments with safe solar viewing using the 15cm solar telescope, and a primer on tracking/focus. 

Legal Pathways for High-Power Rocket Launches by Jack Tyler

Keynote Talk — Jack Tyler, UK Civil Aviation Authority

This talk will demystify the UK regulatory landscape for high-power rocketry and placing objects in space. 

Learn how airspace coordination works, hobbyists versus regulated activity, and how duties are split between the CAA and its partners. 

The session outlines documentation, timelines, insurance requirements, practical compliance checklists, and launch site selection, including how to liaise with local authorities and landowners. Ending with an open Q&A.

Evening Stargazing

Evening stargazing at Keele Observatory 

After dark, we target the Moon and Saturn through the 151-year old 31cm Grubb refractor telescope. 

Child-friendly activities will be run alongside the observing queue. 

Observation is weather-dependent.