Join astronomer Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. for a talk about the Moon, a visit to see Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon and a short Moongazing tour

What does the Moon mean to us? It's a cultural icon, a familiar sight in our sky, and a stepping stone on humanity's journey to the stars. But there's more to the Moon than you may think, and it might be considered one of your oldest friends. In this talk, you'll discover the remarkable ways in which the Moon influences our lives, and deepen your own connection with our beloved celestial neighbour. Tom Kerss is an astronomer and author who specialises in connecting people with the night. Formerly based at the Royal Observatory, he now travels the world and writes books for stargazers of all ages.

After the talk, you'll have the opportunity to go moongazing with Tom. Bring your own telescope or binoculars, and explore the wonders of the Moon from the heart of London.

Included in the price of the ticket is entry to our Lunar Late event where you can see artist Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon installation spectacularly lit at night with Tom.

After the talk and visit to see Museum of the Moon you'll have the opportunity to go moongazing with Tom. Bring your own telescope or bionculars, and explore the wonders of the moon from the heart of London.

*Please note that this moongazing tour will start in our churchyard may involve a short walk and is dependent on the weather on the evening.

Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. is an astronomer and the author of numerous best selling books about the night sky for both adults and children. Having worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich for more than six years, he now shares his passion for the stars with people all over the world, delivering courses, podcasts and media interviews. Tom loves nothing more than to seek out the darkest and most beautiful skies on Earth, but he does most of his stargazing from his home in London. Find out more about Tom’s projects at tomkerss.co.uk

Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface*.

The moon has always inspired humanity, acting as a ‘cultural mirror’ to society, reflecting the ideas and beliefs of all people around the world. Over the centuries, the moon has been interpreted as a god and as a planet. It has been used as a timekeeper, calendar and been a source of light to aid night-time navigation. Throughout history the moon has inspired artists, poets, scientists, writers and musicians the world over. The ethereal blue light cast by a full moon, the delicate crescent following the setting sun, or the mysterious dark side of the moon has evoked passion and exploration. Different cultures around the world have their own historical, cultural, scientific and religious relationships to the moon. And yet somehow, despite these differences, the moon connects us all.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.

*The massive 23 metre wide, high resolution image used to create the moon artwork, was created by the Astrogeology Science Centre in the USA. The imagery was taken by a NASA satellite carrying the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera launched in 2010.