Sterrenwacht Mercurius in Dordrecht has announced a varied programme of courses, lectures, themed evenings and family activities. From introductory astronomy and observing the night sky to rocket building, planetarium shows and meteorites, the programme offers activities for different ages and levels of experience.
Programme
- 11 September – Basic Astronomy Course
A six-part introductory course covering the Solar System, stars, planets, meteorites, Moon phases and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Suitable for beginners aged 16 and over. - 12 September – Theme Evening: Moon and Venus Conjunction
Learn about the occultation of Venus by the Moon, followed by a planetarium show and telescope observations if conditions permit. - 13 September – Apple Pie Lecture: The Solar System
An afternoon lecture about planets, meteorites and other phenomena in the Solar System, including coffee, tea and apple pie. - 19 September – Theme Evening: The Seasons
Discover how Earth’s orbit and tilted axis create the seasons and influence the stars and constellations visible throughout the year. - 19 September – Lecture: Stargazing with the Naked Eye
Astronomer and author Paul Bakker explains how to recognise stars, planets, constellations and other celestial phenomena without a telescope. - 26 September – Space Festival
A family programme featuring experiments, demonstrations, a space market, planetarium shows and telescope observations, weather permitting. - 27 September – Planetarium Kick-off
The official opening of the Mercurius planetarium, with space films and presentations about stars, planets and spaceflight. - 30 September – Build Your Own Rocket
Learn how rockets work, build one and launch it if weather conditions allow. - 1 October – Quiz Day 65+
Accessible questions and activities about stars, planets, the Moon and spaceflight, with small space-themed prizes. - 2 October – Lecture with a Space Mocktail
An evening lecture exploring astronomy and spaceflight, accompanied by a space-themed mocktail. - 3 October – Zen Under the Stars
Small-group yoga and relaxation sessions inside the planetarium. - 3 October – Weekend of Science: Experiments
Children and adults can explore scientific principles through practical experiments and demonstrations. - 3 October – Find the Stars
Learn how to use Stellarium to identify stars, planets and constellations. - 4 October – Space Lounge: Baking Meteorite Cookies
Learn about meteorites, examine a real specimen and make meteorite-shaped cookies. - 7 November – Theme Evening: Saturn
An evening dedicated to Saturn, its distinctive rings and its place in the Solar System.
All activities take place at Sterrenwacht Mercurius, Baanhoekweg 75, Dordrecht. Dates, times, admission fees and reservations are available in the Sterrenwacht Mercurius agenda.