Stunning new exhibition set to star at Peterborough Cathedral
A stunning new exhibition is set to star at Peterborough Cathedral.
Helios, the latest artwork from Luke Jerram, will go on display at the historic city venue from Tuesday.
Suspended from the Cathedral ceiling and measuring an extraordinary seven metres in diameter, the internally illuminated sculpture presents the Sun at an unprecedented scale, offering visitors a rare and powerful opportunity to experience its surface in remarkable detail.
Using 72dpi imagery created from high-resolution photographs by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green (2018–2024), alongside data from NASA, Helios reproduces the Sun at a scale of approximately 1:200 million - where every centimetre represents 2,000km of the Sun’s surface. This striking scientific accuracy allows audiences to safely observe features such as sunspots, spicules, filaments, and even the solar flare source regions linked to the dramatic Northern Lights seen across the UK in May 2024. Scientific guidance for the artwork was provided by solar scientist Professor Lucie Green (UCL).
The installation is accompanied by a specially commissioned surround-sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, weaving together birdsong, choral textures, global musical influences, manipulated fire recordings and NASA mission audio. The result is an immersive soundscape that evokes both the immense power of the Sun and its enduring cultural significance. Drawing on ancient Greek mythology, the artwork takes its name from Helios, the Sun god who was believed to drive his four-horse chariot across the sky each day, bringing light, seasons and life to the world.
“We are absolutely delighted that Helios will be arriving at Peterborough Cathedral next week,” said Gary Cowling, Events Manager at Peterborough Cathedral. “Luke Jerram’s installations have captivated our visitors time and again. Following the tremendous success of Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars here at the Cathedral, we are confident that Helios will be just as inspiring, moving and memorable.”
Helios opens to the public from 10 February, with entry by suggested donation of £5pp during regular Cathedral visiting hours, no booking required.
The exhibition will be on display until February 28.
A range of special events will accompany the display throughout February. For more details visit https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/all-events/