Nathan Wadwell
Life has launched a stargazing night-out, just for adults.
As the mercury drops, the festive Winter Skies event (1 & 15 December 2022) allows visitors to explore the North East’s winter skies from the comfort of their planetarium seat.
A night-out with a difference, visitors can grab a festive cocktail (or mocktail), sit back and relax as they embark on a virtual odyssey into the stratosphere.
In this presenter-led show, Life will reveal how Newcastle’s winter night skies really look without pollution and weather spoiling the view. Using the most advanced technology available, visitors can explore festive dark skies with the striking constellation Orion taking centre stage.
Life has the largest planetarium in the north, which takes big-screen space travel to another dimension. It uses Digistar 7 technology, the world’s most advanced planetarium system, and features state-of-the-art projectors to give ultra-rich, high-resolution visuals and provide an immersive experience. The Winter Skies showhas been specially produced by Life’s own in-house producer, ‘star man’ Callum Griffiths.
As well as visiting the planetarium, visitors can make their own illuminated greetings card in the purpose-built Making Studios or even take a star-lit whirl on the outdoor rink*. All tickets include a welcome festive drink and mini Christmas bites which can be enjoyed under Life’s huge, glowing planet Earth installation, Gaia.
“The science centre is an atmospheric place in the evening and even more so now you can voyage into the winter night from the comfort of your seat. The technology we have installed completely transports the audience, offering an incredible level of realism!”
As well as this special event for adults, there’s plenty for families to do this Winter.
The new programme, which starts on 12 November, features a host of light-inspired activities in the centre including a live show full of magical demonstrations as well as Life’s perennial favourite, the outdoor ice rink (separate prices apply).