Peterborough Cathedral is just one week away from opening Helios, a spectacular touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, on display from 10 to 28 February 2026, generously supported by Peterborough Positive’s Small Grants Scheme.
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 has been co-commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London, representing a major collaborative investment in accessible, science-inspired public art.
Luke Jerram is internationally renowned for his multidisciplinary practice spanning sculpture, installation and live art. His celebrated astronomical works, Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars, have been experienced by millions worldwide. In recognition of his contribution to public engagement with astronomy, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2019.
Sound artists Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson bring their own distinguished practices to the project. Speakman is an award-winning Bristol-based composer and sound artist known for immersive narrative experiences, while Anderson is a multi-instrumentalist and composer working across classical, contemporary and experimental music.
Helios opens to the public from 10 February, with entry by suggested donation of £5pp during regular Cathedral visiting hours, no booking required.
After-dark openings are as follows with suggested donation of £6pp:
🌇Early Evening Viewing (4.30 – 6pm – no booking required): 15th, 22nd February & 1st March.
🌙Late Night Viewing (6.30 – 8.30pm – no booking required): 16th, 17th & 26th February.
An accompanying programme of exciting events is available offering further opportunities to explore the science, beauty and artistry behind the work. Tickets for all events are on sale now on the Peterborough Cathedral website: All Events – Peterborough Cathedral
For more information about Helios, visit About – Helios and follow #HeliosArtwork.