Bydgoszcz Astrobaza Science Picnic
Sun observations through telescopes, mobile planetarium shows, spectacular experiments, open-air rocket workshops, and even baking space gingerbread cookies – these are just some of the attractions awaiting participants of the Bydgoszcz Astrobaza Science Picnic, which will take place on 17 September at Młyny Rothera.
Supplementary recruitment begins on 1 September. We invite primary school students to participate.
‘For years, we have been combining modern forms of popularising science with the rich astronomical traditions of our region, and events such as this picnic are a perfect example of this. I wish all participants a great time!’ emphasises Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Region.
A stellar programme of attractions
As part of the picnic, participants can look forward to, among other things:
- screenings in the Syriusz mobile planetarium,
- creative workshops entitled ‘Create your own Universe’,
- experiments using Martian ice,
- classes entitled ‘Colours and sounds of space’, combining astronomy and music,
- rocket workshops and a presentation of a Martian rover,
- observation of the Sun through the telescopes of the Copernicus Astrobase,
- meetings with scientists,
- outdoor games and animations for children.
There will also be workshops on baking space gingerbread cookies led by the Toruń Gingerbread Museum and refreshments for all participants.
Tribute to an outstanding scholar
The picnic will also be an opportunity to commemorate Prof. Wilhelmina Iwanowska – co-founder of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, vice-president of the International Astronomical Union and long-time director of the Astronomy Centre in Piwnice. The year 2025 marks the 120th anniversary of the scholar’s birth, with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Centre for Education and Innovation co-organising the anniversary celebrations.
School recruitment
We invite primary schools from Bydgoszcz and the surrounding area to participate in the event. The picnic will bring together over 600 students from 20 schools. Each school can register a maximum of 30 students from grades one to six.
There are 300 places left. In the first round of recruitment, 325 students from 13 schools applied. The second round will start on 1 September and will last until 5 September. The application form and details are available on the KPCEI website.
Astronomy at your fingertips
The astronomy picnic formula has already proven successful in Toruń, where the event accompanied this year’s Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Festival. Now the project is moving to Bydgoszcz to introduce students to the activities of the Copernicus Astrobaza network and encourage the youngest to discover the secrets of the cosmos. The next edition will take place in Włocławek.
See also:
Toruń Astrobaza Science Picnic (photo gallery)
Beata Krzemińska
spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office
25 August 2025