Sidmouth stargazers celebrated the solar system with a day of hands-on activities to entertain and educate on Saturday.

Sidmouth Herald: Norman Lockyer Observatory hosted a family open day on Saturday, March 22. Nicola Ockenden from Colyton Grammar School demonstrates a dilution experiment. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 8468-13-14AW. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo OrdersNorman Lockyer Observatory hosted a family open day on Saturday, March 22. Nicola Ockenden from Colyton Grammar School demonstrates a dilution experiment. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 8468-13-14AW. To order your copy of this photograph go to www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on Photo Orders (Image: Archant)

Youngsters from Colyton Grammar School and families from far and wide were treated to experiments and talks from the Norman Lockyer Observatory’s volunteers and visiting scientists.

The space hub marked National Science and Engineering Week with an historic guest – a piece of the ill-fated Challenger shuttle.

Rolf Williams used a blow torch and his bare hand to show off its incredible thermal insulation properties.

The open day also featured experiments, planetarium shows and a special space drama from Exeter University’s Afterglow Theatre.

More pictures from the event can be found in Friday’s Herald.