Group: UK Astronomy
Project: Inflatable Planetarium – “Bringing the night skies to you”
Grant: £5,000
Fund: General Fund
UK Astronomy is a charity whose ethos is to educate, inspire and excite others by sharing their knowledge and passion for space. They do this by offering astronomy outreach and public engagement for anyone who has an interest in space and wants to find out more. Their workshops are held in schools, at Scouts and Guides groups, Rotary Clubs, and more. They also offer online resources, podcasts, and photo competitions.
During their outreach time, it became apparent that many children had limited access to science education resources and had never experienced a planetarium before.
With funding from Heart of Bucks, UK Astronomy were able to purchase a “plug and play” inflatable planetarium system, enabling them to expand their astronomy outreach efforts, and offer a unique planetarium experience to the local community. Comprehensive training was undertaken to ensure the team and their volunteers could operate the planetarium and deliver extensive, engaging workshops. This has allowed them to share the wonders of the universe with people of all ages and abilities.
Prior to receiving funding, the groups workshops consisted of a combination of talks, video footage, and activities. The inflatable planetarium means the group can deliver a fully immersive 360-degree night sky experience, no matter the time of day or weather conditions. It is also fully accessible, ensuring inclusivity, and enabling individuals with physical disabilities to fully participate in the experience.
By “bringing the night skies to you”, the group not only educates, but ignites curiosity and inspires interest in science and exploration for countless children who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.
The inflatable planetarium means the group have now established new partnerships with schools, charities, and community organisations, laying the foundation for future outreach initiatives and strengthening their position as a valuable resource for astronomy education in Buckinghamshire.
Case study
A young boy with a keen interest in astronomy underwent surgery that prevented him from participating in his school’s planetarium visit. This left the boy feeling upset and disconnected from his passion.
Thanks to UK Astronomy, the boy was able to experience a planetarium which, thanks to the inflatable planetariums accessibility, he could fully participate and engage in.
The impact of the event went beyond just the educational experience. At the event, the boy met an astrophotographer who is also a wheelchair user. The two connected over their shared love of astronomy and the challenges they faced as wheelchair users.
The boy’s mother shared her thoughts on the experience, saying:
“My son is in a wheelchair as he’s had several surgeries on his feet and legs. He’s had a rough time and we’ve suddenly found ourselves plunged into a life of navigating a wheelchair. It’s incredibly difficult, with many people, companies, and businesses completely ignorant around disabled access. I found your organisation incredibly refreshing, and both my son and I are so grateful that you hosted an accessible show and that you have cared enough to ensure he was comfortable during the show.”
Read more of our funding stories here.
