Dynamic Earth partners with Earthwave to show in real-time if glaciers really are going to disappear

GOODBYE GLACIERS!?

As part of its famous Polar Gallery exhibition, Dynamic Earth has launched a new exhibit in conjunction with Edinburgh start-up Earthwave, who have recently come on board as a Gallery Engagement Partner.

The exhibit, entitled ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’, gives visitors, for the first time in the UK, real-time information on the sad reality of how quickly many glaciers are disappearing across the world. 

The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and marked the 21st March as World Day for Glaciers. ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’ is part of a global campaign to raise awareness about the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the economic, social and environmental impacts if they disappear completely. 

The ‘Goodbye Glaciers!?’ signpost represents a real glacier and shows the year scientists expect it could mostly disappear if the world continues with its 2026 climate policies.

Earthwave is a key provider of glacial data structures and satellite tracking of glaciers. Their high-resolution satellite observational data and mass balance calculations are required to accurately predict and visualise when these glaciers will disappear. 

Dynamic Earth’s ‘Goodbye Glaciers?’ signpost includes a QR code linking to the global Signposts – Goodbye Glaciers!? website, featuring photos and three-dimensional projections that predict the future under 1.5°C and 2.7°C global warming. 

“We are very proud to partner with Dynamic Earth. The message is clear, we must remain on target with ambitious emissions reductions if we are going to preserve glacier volume globally,” said Dr Livia Jakob, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Earthwave.

Helen Chomczuk, Marketing and Fundraising Director, added: “Our data mapping shows how global warming affects glaciers and that they will vanish in the coming decades. We’re delighted to be able to showcase this important work to Dynamic Earth visitors. 

“The Signposts – Goodbye Glaciers!? exhibit is also produced in partnership with a range of academic institutions, including the University of Innsbruck, further strengthening Dynamic Earth’s close relationship with science and bringing the latest information to Edinburgh.  

“Developing partnerships with the scientific community is a vital part of how we keep Dynamic Earth’s finger on the pulse of the latest global developments. As a world-class science centre and planetarium, we are committed to ensuring that everyone leaves us feeling better informed and inspired, and showing how scientists play a crucial role in helping us protect the natural world.

“Our Polar Gallery has always been a focal point at Dynamic Earth, featuring a real, touchable iceberg and an immersive sensory experience of the Earth’s extreme polar regions – and Earthwave’s work is a perfect example of the vital role that scientists play in helping us better understand these environments.

“We thank them wholeheartedly for their support.”

Picture: Haicoo Photography

2300 children take part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event

Children stand in a park with their arms raised in a yoga pose

Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.

Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.

The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires. 

The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. 

Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities. 

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners. 

“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.

“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.

“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar. 

“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”

Get Ready for the Eclipse at Dynamic Earth

Get Ready for the Eclipse Event!

📣 A spectacular solar event is coming to Scotland’s skies this August – and Dynamic Earth is here to help you get eclipse-ready with FREE activities and a new Planetarium show!

Ahead of the partial solar eclipse this August, join us on Wednesday 5th August for Get Ready for the Eclipse: a lively day of space science and hands-on discovery. ☀

🌕 Drop in for free activities | Find out how solar telescopes work and learn the safest ways to enjoy the eclipse with volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh

☀ What’s Up: The Solar Show | Step into our 360° Planetarium for a live presenter-led stargazing show with a special solar focus led by our in-house astronomers Dr Alastair Bruce and Toni Newell.

🌕 Meet Professor Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Enjoy a talk and Q&A session with Scotland’s Astronomer Royal following the What’s Up: The Solar Show at 12pm and 2pm.

Bring your questions, discover hands-on activities, and get ready for this summer’s must-see moment in the sky!

‘Get Ready for the Eclipse’ is proudly supported by the Institute of Physics.

For more information about this event, and how you can get involved, visit our website: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/event/get-ready-for-the-eclipse/

Dynamic Earth: Planetarium Shows

Daily shows in our Planetarium this June!

Don’t miss these 30 minute shows as part of your Dynamic Earth admission, or as a standalone experience. 🔭

☀ What’s Up: Summer Skies | Presenter-led Show

In the latest version of our flagship live Planetarium show ‘What’s Up?’ we’ll go stargazing in the summer sky, and take a look at the incredible Artemis II mission! In our Planetarium, we’re going to (temporarily!) delete the Sun so we can stargaze in summer skies of perfect darkness to spot stars, planets and galaxies.

🌋 Under Pressure | Presenter-led Show

Come with us as we take a deep dive into the global ocean; we’ll explore dark, hidden ecosystems and see the collective efforts of hundreds of marine scientists and engineers. We’ll also ponder on our ability to shape the future of this global ocean we all depend on.

🐝 We Are Guardians | Dome Film

Explore the ecosystems of our world that are intrinsically connected. Discover how, with the help of satellites, we can examine the links between human activities and climate change.

✨Experience our We are Guardians show with BSL interpretation as part of our daily schedule, with additional BSL interpreted screenings available upon request.

Find out more about our Planetarium, and explore the full schedule of shows here:

https://dynamicearth.org.uk/whats-on/planetarium/

Planetarium Lates at Dynamic Earth

EDINBURGH SCIENCE FESTIVAL

DON’T miss Planetarium Lates 🦕 As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, enjoy an adults-only science night out with classic films inspired by the creatures that roamed the Earth over 65 million years ago in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth.

🎬 Jurassic World (2015) Saturday 11th April 2026 | 8pm

🎬 Godzilla (2014) Sunday 12th April 2026 | 8pm

Discover more showings for ages 18+ including ‘Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon’, and stargazing with our in-house astronomers.

Book your ticket with Edinburgh Science Festival, or visit our website:

https://dynamicearth.org.uk/easter-at-dynamic-earth/

Dynamic Earth: Stargazing Late & Live

Stargazing Late & Live 🔭⭐

This April, immerse yourself amongst the stars with our adults-only Stargazing Late & Live show!

Our resident astronomers will guide you across the cosmos, delving into their favourite sights to see along the way. You’ll gaze up at Edinburgh’s night sky, visit distant worlds and view space through the lenses of state-of-the-art telescopes.

Don’t miss out-of-this-world insights and stunning imagery in Edinburgh’s only Planetarium as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.

Discover our line-up of adults-only Planetarium Lates this April:

https://dynamicearth.org.uk/planetarium-lates/

Where Science Meets Santa: Dynamic Earth’s Winter Wonderland

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, will once again be bringing festive sparkle to the heart of Edinburgh with a programme of events that combines seasonal magic with science and storytelling.

From Santa’s Polar Grotto to festive family films, late-night Planetarium screenings, seasonal science clubs and the return of the Aurora Borealis show, the centre will be brimming with activities for all ages between 29 November and 23 December.

At the heart of the celebrations is Santa’s Polar Grotto, Edinburgh’s only grotto set beneath the Northern Lights. Families will be guided by Head Elf Polaris to the festive Arctic grotto, where they can meet Santa and his Polar Protectors, the arctic fox, polar bear, snowy owl and arctic hare. Alongside enchanting tales, each child will receive a token to exchange for a cuddly gift to take home, ensuring a magical keepsake from their visit.

Film fans are also in for a treat, with festive favourites returning to the big screen at Dynamic Earth selected weekend mornings at 10am. The line-up includes The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone and Elf, with additional screenings running in the days leading up to Christmas. 

Dynamic Earth’s younger visitors can join the popular Dynamites (0–4) and Dynamos (4–6) science clubs, which take on a seasonal flavour with “Reindeer Games” on 5, 12 and 19 December. C

hildren will discover how reindeer are specially adapted to survive the polar environment, handle real antlers, and get creative with themed crafts, all while enjoying access to the centre’s soft play area.

Adding to the atmosphere, the winter Planetarium show will once again showcase the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, immersing audiences in the science and spectacle of one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena.

Anastasia Rocke, Interim CEO at Dynamic Earth, said: “Christmas at Dynamic Earth is all about creating magical moments that also inspire curiosity about our planet.

“From meeting Santa set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights to learning about the amazing wildlife of the Arctic, we’re thrilled to offer families and visitors a truly unique festive experience in Edinburgh.”

Visitors to last year’s grotto agreed, with one parent commenting: “Wonderful experience! Very professionally done, great value for money, a real sense that everyone wanted to be there.

“Loved the fact that my daughter didn’t have to sit on Santa’s knee but could sit on a polar bear as well!”

Tickets for Santa’s Polar Grotto, films, Planetarium Lates and seasonal science sessions are available now at dynamicearth.org.uk. 

Advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign, inviting families, supporters and science enthusiasts across the UK to Double the Discovery and help give thousands of young people the chance to fall in love with STEM.

For one week only (2–9 December), every donation made to Dynamic Earth will be doubled through The Big Give, the UK’s largest online match-funding campaign.

With more than 30,000 children visiting Dynamic Earth’s Learning Bases each year, many from communities who face barriers to accessing high-quality science learning, the charity is calling on the public to help create classrooms where curiosity can truly come alive.

Upgrading the spaces where science starts

Funds raised through The Big Give will support essential upgrades to Dynamic Earth’s Learning Bases: hands-on, immersive classrooms where Scotland’s young explorers learn about volcanoes, space, climate, coding, engineering and the wonders of the planet.

Matched donations will go directly towards equipment that teachers, parents and community groups say makes the biggest difference:

  • £20 – new early years floor mats to support sensory storytelling for budding young scientists
  • £50 – flexible furniture to better support diverse needs, including young wheelchair users
  • £100 – tablets to build tech confidence for tomorrow’s coders and engineers

These improvements will help Dynamic Earth continue delivering more than 250,000 science learning experiences every year, ensuring every child, regardless of background, can experience the joy and excitement of discovery.

Dynamic Earth’s programmes have a powerful track record of removing barriers to STEM engagement.

Dynamic Earth’s impact is best reflected in the voices of the schools, teachers, parents and young people who experience its programmes first-hand.

Their feedback highlights how transformative, accessible, hands-on science learning can be, sparking curiosity, boosting confidence and opening doors to opportunities many learners would not otherwise have.

Teacher feedback:

“The workshops were excellent and engaged the pupils with plenty of interactive activities. Information was aimed at the right level and the course leaders were engaging and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.”

“The workshop we attended was brilliant in the way the activities were so active and engaging. I feel that I gained a lot of information in different ways, and it gave me ideas of how to use active learning in my classroom.”

“The majority of pupils who came on the trip had never even been to Edinburgh let alone Dynamic Earth. This real life experience of leaving the classroom to visit an educational experience really does make the difference to our pupils and many refer to it as being the best day of S2.”

Parent feedback:

“It is an amazing club. The kids love it, learn from it and the staff are amazing. So lucky to have this club!!”

“Is enhancing my daughter’s interest in science and gives her an opportunity to meet like minded peers”

A call to support the next generation

Speaking about the campaign, Dynamic Earth Director of Fundraising and Marketing Helen Chomczuk said: “This is about giving every child the chance to feel that spark; the moment science suddenly makes sense, becomes exciting, becomes theirs.

“With matched funding in place, every pound goes twice as far, helping us build better spaces for learning and ensuring that more young people can experience the wonder of our planet. We’re asking the public to stand with us in giving the gift of discovery this Christmas and inspire tomorrow’s scientists.”

How to take part

The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs from 2–9 December 2025, with all donations doubled while match funds last.

Supporters can give via the campaign page: 

Learning Comes To Life at Dynamic Earth – Big Give

Festive family films at Dynamic Earth

Escape the winter chill and capture the festive magic ❄

This holiday season, enjoy festive family films in Edinburgh’s Planetarium.

At 10am on selected mornings from 29th November, experience these four Christmas favourites under the stars for just £6 per person!

🚂 The Polar Express

🏠 Home Alone

🍬 Elf

🎁 How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Book your winter movie morning, and find out what else is on at Dynamic Earth this December, on our website: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/christmas-at-dynamic-earth…/

DynaMites and Dynamos Sensory Sessions at Dynamic Earth

THIS week, join us for special Seasonal Sessions of DynaMites and Dynamos – Dynamic Earth’s Sensory Sessions for under 6s where little ones and their grown-ups can discover and explore the natural world together!

Explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction.

🐛 DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’

24th & 31st October | 10am

🐝 Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’

24th & 31st October | 2.30pm

Find out more: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/whats-on/