Events under the microscope: a special Valentine’s edition

Searching for days out for the geek in your life? Well look no further! This week’s column brings you some science date ideas for Valentine’s Day.

 

Our star attraction is the Royal Observatory’s new planetarium show, ‘The Secret Lives of Stars’. Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart of Star Trek, viewers are taken on a tour of the life history of stars . Showing every weekday at 14.45, and on weekends and holidays at 11.45, 13.30 and 15.15 until the end of February (due to the Planetarium’s refurbishment). Entry costs £6.50 adults | £4.50 children/concessions | £17.50 family ticket.

 

Highly recommended are two exhibitions displaying at the Wellcome Collection until February 26. Under the Miracles & Charms series, exploring “faith, hope and chance”, ‘Infinitas Gracias’ and ‘Charmed Life’ look at Mexican votive paintings and London amulets respectively. Both have been a huge hit with visitors. Entry is free and opening hours vary (check the Wellcome Collection website for more details).

 

Finally, Science London (a branch of the British Science Association) are holding an evening of crafty fun with pathogens in ‘SciCraft: Love Bugs’. Here, you can create your own ‘cuddly bacteria’ and hear entertaining talks on “things that you wouldn’t want to catch”. This is a one-off event being held on Valentine’s Day at the Hunterian Museum  from 6 – 9 pm. Entry is free, but a £2 donation is suggested – and there’s a free face mask for every donation. Perhaps the ideal option if it’s a blind date!