Cheadle Moon

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OUTSIDE is working with local groups, organisations and residents to plan Cheadle Moon, a special celebration of the life of pioneering astronomer and selenographer Mary Adela Blagg. For three weeks around Easter from 15th March 2024 to 5th April 2024, Cheadle will be filled with stardust and moonlight while celebrations take place in churches, schools, shops and streets.

To mark the 80th anniversary of Mary Adela Blagg’s death, Cheadle Moon will tell her inspirational story and celebrate her life. Born in 1858, Mary lived her entire life in Cheadle. Mary’s groundbreaking work mapping the moon saw her become one of the first women admitted into the Royal Astronomical Society. A crater on the moon, Blagg crater, was named after Mary, and in March 2023, a planet was named Maryblagg in her honour. Mary’s grave is in the churchyard of St Giles the Abbot in Cheadle.

Taking centre stage of the celestial celebrations, Museum of the Moon will rise inside St Giles the Abbot. This amazing touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram will be installed in the nave of the church. Measuring six metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:600,000 each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 6km of the moon’s surface. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.

As well as Museum of the Moon, a wide-ranging programme of lunar inspired arts and cultural activities and events will include something for everyone. More information about Cheadle Moon, including opening times to experience Museum of the Moon, will be announced in the coming months. 

https://outsidearts.org/cheadle-moon-faqs