The Sun, Our Living Star
What powers our nearest star?
The Sun has shone on Earth for four and a half billion years, driving our winds, our weather and all life. This planetarium show explores how our star works, how ancient civilisations used it to keep time, and what will happen to it in the distant future.
Rarely seen images of the Sun’s violent surface fill the whole dome. Produced by ESO, the European Southern Observatory.
Show type
Astronomy Duration: 25 min Upper KS2 – KS5 / Families / AdultsWhat audiences take away from The Sun, Our Living Star
Format360° fulldome film in our mobile planetarium
Running time25 minutes
Suitable forKS2–KS5, Families, Adults
SubjectsAstronomy, Physics
- How the Sun produces its energy
- How ancient civilisations tracked time by the Sun
- Sunspots, flares and the Sun’s violent surface
Curriculum links
Earth and spaceLight and energyKS2–KS5
Frequently asked questions
What age is The Sun, Our Living Star suitable for?
The Sun, Our Living Star is suitable for KS2–KS5, Families, Adults. Tell us your year groups and we will check it is the right fit, or suggest an alternative.
How long is The Sun, Our Living Star?
The film runs for about 25 minutes. Most schools book it as part of a 45–60 minute session with a live, presenter-led introduction and time for questions.
Can we combine The Sun, Our Living Star with a live astronomer show?
Yes. Book it as our 2-in-1 performance: a live, presenter-led tour of tonight’s real night sky, followed by The Sun, Our Living Star and a Q&A.
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Book The Sun, Our Living Star
Tell us your date, year groups and numbers, and we will send a quote. We cover the whole UK.
Get a quoteCall 0800 3118 360