The Moon: Meet Our Nearest Neighbour

The chance to touch a real moon rock, marvel at a giant inflatable solar system, and explore Suffolk’s space stories awaits adventurers to Suffolk Archives’ free, family friendly summer exhibition.

The Moon: Meet Our Nearest Neighbour, a touring exhibition from Bespoke Scientific, touches down at The Hold Ipswich from 26 June to 19 September.

Discover the science and mythology of the moon. Re-live historic moments in lunar discovery, including how the space race unfolded and the lead up to the 1969 moon landing. Explore how the moon influences our natural environment from tides and seas to nighttime animals.

Learn about Alice Grace Cook, a pioneering female astronomer from Stowmarket. Search for the truth behind the mystery of the Rendlesham UFO. Look to the sky with local astronomical groups to understand how you can safely observe its wonders closer to home.

There is loads happening alongside the exhibition.

Blast off with the pop-up Wonder Dome Planetarium in August. Fully immersive shows that’ll take you on a thrilling trip through the cosmos and its many wonders - from the birth of planets to the death of stars.

Book on to Suffolk Archives’ space-themed craft sessions, including relaxed options; and look out for free craft pop-ups in Suffolk Libraries. The Hold also has star-studded films for littles one with WALL-E and E.T. and a fun trail.

Enjoy a step-free Stars of Science walk highlighting Ipswich’s contributions to science and exploration. There are also talks about Suffolk archaeologist Basil Brown’s work in astronomy and an evening with Space East about technological developments happening here in Suffolk.