Helios Under the Sun: Our Explosive Sun, talk by Dr Steph Yardley, Northumbria University
On selected dates we’re keeping the Saloon and Central Hall open late so you can experience Helios as the sun starts to set. Join us and enjoy a talk from one of the UK’s leading astronomers, Dr Steph Yardley.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Although our Sun is usually described as an ordinary star it regularly throws out huge eruptions. These eruptions are launched into space and race across the solar system at speeds of up to several million miles an hour. When Earth-directed, they can cause magnificent displays of the aurora however, these eruptions cause disruption to our daily lives due to our ever-growing dependence on technology.
This talk focuses on how scientists observe the Sun’s outer atmosphere and the methods scientists use to predict solar activity to minimise the disruption that solar eruptions cause to our everyday lives.
Dr Steph Yardley is an STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellow and Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in the Solar and Space Physics Group at Northumbria University. Her research focuses on our nearest star, the Sun. In particular, her research interests include solar eruptions, the origins of solar energetic particles and the solar wind, and space weather.
Northumbria University is also home to the North East Space Skills and Technology (NESST) Centre, which will open in 2026 and be a state of the art £50M facility developed by Northumbria, with investment from the UK Space Agency and the space and satellite division of industry giant Lockheed Martin. NESST will house world-leading space experts and unite industry with academia, to transform the UK space economy.
Please note that after 5pm, opening is restricted to the Central Hall and Saloon only.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
Helios is accessed via 14 steps. If you require access support, please call us on 0191 237 9100 to discuss your requirements or book a 'Helios: Stairclimber extended opening' slot via the events page of our website.
- Other
This event is free with standard admission or your membership.
Upcoming events
Archaeology documentation
Visit the Mahogany Room off the Entrance Hall to see our Conservation Team at work, cleaning, documenting and safely storing archaeological finds from the Curtain Rises project.
Helios Under the Sun: Sunrise
Set your alarm clocks to be one of the first to see Helios, a brand-new 7-metre diameter sculpture by artist Luke Jerram. Helios, Ancient Greek for the sun, follows Luke’s previous celestial sculptures of ‘Gaia’ ‘Museum of the Moon’ and ‘Mars’.
Helios Under the Sun: Extended Opening
On selected dates we’re keeping the Saloon and Central Hall open late so you can experience Helios as the sun starts to set as well as enjoy a variety of events themed around the sun.