Southwell Minster will host Luke Jerram’s art installation Helios this summer with an exciting programme of events running alongside – including the chance to see the partial eclipse from the tower!
Southwell Minster welcomes the Sun
Helios, known as The Sun, measures seven metres in diameter and features detailed NASA imagery of the Sun’s surface.
It will go on display from 29 July – 15 August and is a fusion of solar imagery, sunlight with a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.
And on its opening day, the Nottingham Astronomical Society will be supporting the Helios exhibition by offering live views of the Sun through special solar telescopes situated outside the south door of the Minster – weather permitting!
And visitors will have the opportunity to ask the astronomers questions.
This is just one event on offer in the Minster to complement Helios, others include music events, Pilates under the Sun, talks, family activities and a special tower tour to see the partial eclipse of the sun on Wednesday 12 August. Tickets are strictly limited and safety glasses will be provided.
Glenn Formoy, Head of Marketing & Events at Southwell Minster, said:
‘After the success of Luke Jerram’s previous works here in the Minster, we’re delighted to be able to bring in Helios to light up the cathedral.
‘The Museum of the Moon in 2024, and Gaia (the Earth) in 2022 both attracted around 11,000 visitors so we’re expecting this to be equally as popular .
‘This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to see the sun up close,’ he added.
The imagery for Helios has been compiled using photographs of the Sun provided by Astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green (taken between May 2018 to June 2024) and NASA observations of the Sun, with guidance from solar scientist, Professor Lucie Green of University College London (UCL).
Booking online in advance is recommended but not essential, but during busy times those looking to pay on the door may have to wait and some sessions will inevitably sell out in advance.
For tickets, as well as information on other events built into the Helios programme, including a special opening night, please click here.
