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The Three Kings followed ‘yonder star’ to Bethlehem and now you can learn all about the wonders of the solar system at the O2 Centre’s Christmas Planetarium…

The 02 Centre, Finchley Road, is going intergalactic this Christmas with space-themed lights and decorations, plus a Planetarium with a mixed programme of educational and fun films. This unique temporary dome will be installed in the O2 Centre outside Waterstones and is truly a must-see this Christmas. The Planetarium (open Sat 10th / Sun 11th and then through 15th – 21st December) will screen a selection of live interactive shows and short films using a unique 360-degree projection system which is used in the world’s top science institutions. The technology means these films wrap over the whole surface of the domes creating a realistic impression of the night sky.

There will be sessions running throughout the day (11am until 4pm) on selected days through December. Each will begin with a segment about the “Christmas Stars and Constellations” to help your little ones get into the festive season. A short space-themed film will follow, which will be changed throughout the day. There will be a selection of different films to suit different age groups:

Zulu patrol under the weather (shown 11am and 12pm) suitable for children aged 4+
This fun cartoon has planets and objects flying across the screen. The lively soundtrack will educate children on the simplest elements of weather and space.

Astromyths (shown 1pm and 3pm) suitable for children aged 7+
This educational and engaging full dome show will be best for older children. The film travels the constellations of the Autumn sky and describes the Ancient Greek Myths they were named after. The film is a mix of mythological stories and the real science of the space, such as black holes and star clusters.

Oasis in Space (shown 2pm and 4pm) suitable for children aged 5+
This film transports the audience on a startling and beautiful voyage through the galaxy, solar system and universe in search of liquid water – a key ingredient for life on earth.

Each session will last for around 45 minutes in total and entry will be £2 each for adults and children.

Schedule of films
The Planetarium will be open for visitors on Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Thursday 15th, Friday 16th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th, Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st December.

The running order on each day will be as follows:
11am & 12pm - “Christmas Stars & Constellations” presentation and “Zulu Patrol” film
1pm & 3pm - “Christmas Stars & Constellations” presentation and “Astromyths” film
2pm & 4pm - “Christmas Stars & Constellations” presentation and “Oasis in space”

http://www.o2centre.co.uk