Beyond the Milkyway: VR Experience with narration from Brian Cox

Deep in the western Australian outback, over 131,000 individual radio antennae are being built to work together as one giant telescope, giving us the power to visit the far corners of the Universe and break new ground in astronomical research.

When completed, the incredible Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope will be a virtual time machine, allowing us to see further back in time than ever before to understand how our Universe came to be, and giving humanity its best-ever chance of discovering if there is other life out there.

Now you can experience ‘one of the most significant international scientific endeavours in history’ as you step onto the future site of the SKA telescope – and then travel to the furthest reaches of the Universe – in an immersive 360-degree virtual reality cinema experience.

Filmed with specialised cameras capable of extreme resolution and narrated by physicist Professor Brian Cox, through ‘Beyond the Milky Way’ we see our sky in unprecedented 360 degrees detail, witness our world from a new perspective and are transported to the edge of what's possible.

For a limited time only, join scientists, experts and ancient astronomers in their quest for answers, through the UK premiere of this unique cinematographic experience. Take your seat in the Royal Institution's London Theatre, open your eyes in the Australian outback, and then journey on, to beyond the Milky Way.

‘Beyond the Milky Way’ is suitable for all audiences. However, the virtual reality (VR) headset is recommended for users 13 years and older. Children under 13 are still welcome to attend a session, but parental discretion is advised for wearing VR headsets. An adult will need to accompany any child under the age of 13. Not recommended for people with certain medical conditions; glasses can be worn under the headset, but the focus cannot be adjusted.

Please read the health and safety notice before you book.

Credits: Beyond the Milky Way is a White Spark Pictures production. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest. Financed with support from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources; the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR); CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency; the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre; Scitech and Inspiring Australia; SKA Observatory (SKAO); ASTRO 3D – the ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions; and the Western Australian Museum.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, United Kingdom