Telescope looking at a stary sky
Credit: Adobestock

Space Lates

Discover science after hours at Space Lates — an exclusive evening of talks, activities, and galleries for curious minds.

  • 6th Feb 2026
  • An inspiring evening
  • Hands-on science activities
  • Explore galleries after hours
  • The latest news from space
  • Limited tickets, exclusive access

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Designed for curious minds who love to ask big questions, Space Lates invites you to embark on an evening of Astronomical Adventures—a chance to explore the wonders of science and space through thought-provoking 30-minute talks, hands-on activities, and the rare opportunity to wander our galleries after hours.

This special edition of Space Lates features a unique programme created exclusively for the night, offering fresh perspectives, exciting discoveries, and immersive ways to engage with the cosmos. Whether you’re intrigued by the latest breakthroughs, keen to try innovative experiments, or simply looking for an inspiring night out, Space Lates delivers a relaxed, engaging experience for teens and adults alike.

With limited tickets available, this Space Lates offers an exclusive way to immerse yourself in science, creativity, and cosmic curiosity.

Please note: The Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open during this event.

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Space Lates group in the Mercury Capsule in the Into Space Gallery
National Space Centre

About Space Lates

All talks and activities are aimed at adults and families interested in science.
Children are welcome; however, parents/guardians need to decide if children are happy to attend accessible and engaging 30-minute talks.

This jam-packed evening is designed to allow you to choose and explore your top picks.
It's not expected that you'll be able to catch everything.

You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will not be open.

Hot food can be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.

Guest Speakers

We host talks on the LIVE Space stage and in our Shuttle Suites throughout the night. These will be from experts in their field on the latest developments in space science, missions, or exciting findings. Sessions are around 30 minutes in duration and normally include an Q&A element to ask questions. 

  1. Speaker To Be Announced
    National Space Centre

    Talk Title - TBC

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  2. Speaker To Be Announced
    National Space Centre

    Talk Title - TBC

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  3. Speaker To Be Announced
    National Space Centre

    Talk Title - TBC

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Activities

For each Space Lates evening our teams will host sessions for you to get hands on with science. In the past this has seen people making zoetropes, using satellites to look at migration patterns, discovering different types of meteorites, and even seeing the Northern Lights in a Planeterrella. Weather dependant we also work with Leicester Astronomical Society to host stargazing sessions. 

  1. orion
    National Space Centre

    Hunter in the Night Sky

    • 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)

    Join our discovery team to create your own Orion the Hunter stargazing aid. Get familiar with the constellation and its stars, and become an expert at spotting this prominent winter star pattern.

  2. Activity to be Announced
    National Space Centre

    Activity - TBC

    • 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)

  3. Activity to be Announced
    National Space Centre

    Activity - TBC

    • 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)

Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium
®Hufton+Crow

Planetarium Show

The National Space Centre is also home to the UK's largest planetarium, so no session would be complete without a seat under the fulldome. Included in a Space Lates ticket will be a timed show.

Tour of the Night Sky (18:45 or 19:45)

Sit back and relax as a member of our discovery team takes you on an immersive journey through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you around the current, seasonal, night-time sky before venturing into space for a unique perspective of Earth and other more distant celestial objects.

woman stargazing with a telescope
© StockPhotoPro

Stargazing - 18:00-21:00 (drop-in)

Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society to find out more about stargazing and to look through their telescopes. *weather permitting.

Limited availability (first come, first served basis): Bring your own telescope along and members of the Leicester Astronomical Society will happily offer telescope setting-up advice.

Space Lates FAQs

No, this is an additional evening event that is exempt from the FREE Annual Pass upgrade offer.

This event is suitable for adults and families with an interest in space.

There are 400 free car parking spaces available on site. We are happy to call taxis for people and there is a bus stop to the 54 route within a 6 minute walk of the Centre.

Food and drink will not be allowed to be brought onto the premises

The National Space Centre – [email protected]

No, tickets are non transferable or refundable.

No, once a ticket is purchased no changes can be made.

Either a printed ticket, or a ticket on your phone or tablet (we like the non-printing option, it is better for the planet).

All tickets are non-refundable.