Genuine moon rocks landing at Leeds library for out-of-this-world science event
Space enthusiasts and budding astronauts in Leeds will have a rare chance to handle real fragments of the moon and deep space meteorites at a free library event this weekend
Budding space explorers are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch genuine pieces of the moon as part of a spectacular family science day in Leeds.
Otley Library and Community Hub will play host to the free Touch the Moon event on Saturday (November 14), welcoming an extraordinary collection of lunar rocks and space meteorites as part of this year's Otley Science Festival.
On loan from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the rare samples were collected from impact sites across the globe after travelling to Earth from the lunar surface and the far reaches of deep space.
Alongside handling the space rocks, visitors can take part in a hands-on family science day featuring space-themed books, interactive science stations, creative crafts for all ages, and a virtual reality tour of the International Space Station.
Award-winning poet Matt Abbott will also lead a ticketed poetry and space workshop suitable for children aged seven and over from 10.30am to 11.30am, with advance booking essential.
Charlotte Wood, librarian at Otley Community Hub and Library, said: “This is a real once-in-a-lifetime chance to get some hands-on experience with a fascinating collection of objects which will arrive in Otley having once been a fragment of our moon or spent millions of years hurtling through the depths of outer space.
“We’re incredibly excited and it’s not often we can tell people that a piece of the moon will be landing at their local library at the weekend. We’re hoping this event will capture the imaginations of space and science enthusiasts of all ages and might even inspire the next generation of astronauts.”
Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing and hubs, added: “Having such an exciting and innovative programme of events in our libraries across Leeds gives our visitors and communities the chance to get involved with a huge range of activities which help bring our sites and collections to life.
“This weekend’s event will be truly out of this world and I’m sure it will be a thrilling and thought-provoking experience for everyone who attends.”
Entry to the main science day is completely free on a drop-in basis, though the poetry workshop with Matt Abbott is ticketed and requires advance booking. Full booking details for the workshop alongside the complete festival line-up can be found online via Leeds Inspired or the official Otley Science Festival website.