Space Lates - February
Discover science after hours at Space Lates — an exclusive evening of talks, activities, and galleries for curious minds.
- 6th Feb 2026
- An inspiring evening
- Hands-on science activities
- Explore galleries after hours
- The latest news from space
- Limited tickets, exclusive access
Designed for curious minds who love to ask big questions, Space Lates invites you to embark on an evening of Astronomical Adventures—a chance to explore the wonders of science and space through thought-provoking 30-minute talks, hands-on activities, and the rare opportunity to wander our galleries after hours.
This special edition of Space Lates features a unique programme created exclusively for the night, offering fresh perspectives, exciting discoveries, and immersive ways to engage with the cosmos. Whether you’re intrigued by the latest breakthroughs, keen to try innovative experiments, or simply looking for an inspiring night out, Space Lates delivers a relaxed, engaging experience for teens and adults alike.
With limited tickets available, this Space Lates offers an exclusive way to immerse yourself in science, creativity, and cosmic curiosity.
Please note: The Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open during this event.
About Space Lates
All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.
This jam-packed evening is designed to allow you to choose and explore your top picks.
It's not expected that you'll be able to catch everything.
You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open.
Hot food can be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.
Guest Speakers
We host talks on the LIVE Space stage and in our Shuttle Suites throughout the night. These will be from experts in their field on the latest developments in space science, missions, or exciting findings. Sessions are around 30 minutes in duration and normally include an Q&A element to ask questions.
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![Greg Brown Crop]()
From Navigation to Astrophysics – 350 years of the Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Dr Greg Brown
- Public Astronomy Office – Observing Lead, Royal Observatory Greenwich
- TBC
Last year was the 350th anniversary of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Telescopes have come and gone - astronomers too. But one thing hasn’t changed – a drive to understand the unknown and complex reaches of space. Join Dr Greg Brown as he tells the tale of (one of) the oldest scientific institutions in the country – from its beginnings charting the positions of the stars to the revolution of astrophysics and see how even now, the astronomers working there are unlocking the secrets of the Universe – even if it’s just a little bit…
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![Cat Hauxwell]()
Fantastic Lights and Where to Find Them
- Cat Hauxwell
- Cruise Astronomer, Go Stargazing
- TBC
The aurora - beautiful, colourful, and literally magnetic. These dazzling lights have mesmerised us for millennia. But despite the mystique, the aurora is a fundamentally scientific phenomenon - and aurora hunting is not always luck and magic. Having recently returned from a trip spent hunting aurora at sea, Cat will guide you through the exact science that explains not only what causes these spectacular events, but also how to plan where to be, where to look, and when to go to see them.
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![Les Brand Headshot]()
Capturing the Night Sky from Your Back Garden
- Les Brand
- Amateur Astrophotographer and Astronomer
- TBC
Have you ever looked at beautiful images of the night sky and wondered how they were captured? You’ll be amazed at what your camera can see that your eyes cannot.
Join Les as he explains how it’s possible to photograph the night sky from your back garden (or anywhere) with little more than a smartphone or digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless), a tripod, clear skies and a bit of luck and know how!
Activities
For each Space Lates evening our teams will host sessions for you to get hands on with science. In the past this has seen people making zoetropes, using satellites to look at migration patterns, discovering different types of meteorites, and even seeing the Northern Lights in a Planeterrella. Weather dependant we also work with Leicester Astronomical Society to host stargazing sessions.
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![orion]()
National Space Centre Hunter in the Night Sky
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Join our discovery team to create your own Orion the Hunter stargazing aid. Get familiar with the constellation and its stars, and become an expert at spotting this prominent winter star pattern.
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![How Telescopes Work]()
National Space Centre How Telescopes Work
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Telescopes allow us to see faint and distant objects out in the Universe, but how do they actually work? Let our discovery team demonstrate how the simple use of lenses and mirrors bring cosmic wonders into our view.
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![Activity to be Announced]()
National Space Centre Activity - TBC
- 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Planetarium Show
The National Space Centre is also home to the UK's largest planetarium, so no session would be complete without a seat under the fulldome. Included in a Space Lates ticket will be a timed show.
Tour of the Night Sky (18:45 or 19:45)
Sit back and relax as a member of our discovery team takes you on an immersive journey through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you around the current, seasonal, night-time sky before venturing into space for a unique perspective of Earth and other more distant celestial objects.
Stargazing - 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)
Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society to find out more about stargazing and to look through their telescopes. *weather permitting.
Limited availability (first come, first served basis): Bring your own telescope along and members of the Leicester Astronomical Society will happily offer telescope setting-up advice.
Space Lates FAQs
