OXFORD’S Museum of the History of Science in Broad Street will come to life on Saturday, April 4 with Starry Messengers, a day of children’s activities, storytelling, music, talks and much more to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy.

Activities for people of all ages will be on offer in and around the museum from 10am to 5pm, and will run all day with a choice of two trails around the museum, storytelling and a chance to make a celestial dial to show the phases of the moon.

Big and little children alike will be fascinated by a Victorian astronomical board game which takes the players on a whistle-stop tour of the sky — in the top gallery throughout the day.

Short talks in the Basement Gallery on telescopic topics include a sideways look at the astronomical telescope in The Optic Engine Laid Bare with expert Richard Dunn, and a chance to find out just what can be seen using a humble back garden telescope.

The Abingdon Astronomical Society will be showing people how to use telescopes to view the sun (weather permitting). They will be stationed just outside the museum in the Sheldonian Yard and will be running free viewing sessions between 10am and 4pm.


Admission is free. A full programme of events is on www.mhs.ox.ac.uk

Published 06/04/09