Head of Steam’s latest exhibition ‘out of this world’

Budding space explorers can enjoy an ‘out of this world’ experience as the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum prepares for its latest exhibition to land.

A piece of the moon will be coming to the museum between Saturday 15 June and Monday 26 August, when visitors can take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and touch real moon rock as part of a new Moon Exhibition and help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Visitors can explore 5,000 years of our fascination with our nearest neighbour: see the carvings made by our ancient ancestors whilst gazing at the moon, and see replicas of the incredible space technology that took astronauts there exactly 50 years ago in July 1969.

Did you know a Russian robot reached the Moon before the American astronauts? That wolves don’t actually howl at the Moon? That the ancient Aztec and Mayan lunar calendars are so accurate they can still be used today? That if you stand on the Moon, you can watch ‘Earthrise’? That the Moon has its own time zone? Find out all this and more at Head of Steam this summer!

Alison Grange, collections and learning assistant at the museum, said:

“Our ancestors have long been fascinated by the moon and we’re thrilled to be able to host this special exhibition to mark the 50^th anniversary of the moon landing.

“There are no doubt many people who can remember this very special moment in history and we’d love to hear their memories and hope they will come along to join us for this celebration and the chance to see and touch a piece of the moon.”

The exhibition will appeal to families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Normal entrance fee applies.

For more information about Head of Steam visit www.head-of-steam.co.uk.