Helios by Luke Jerram

Photo credit: Becs Hughes.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is delighted to be able to bring Helios, a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, to Goole Market Hall as part of the Arts Council England-funded Goole 200 programme celebrating Goole’s bicentenary.

Measuring six metres in diameter, the artwork features detailed imagery of the sun’s surface. At an approximate scale of 1:230 million, each centimetre of the internally-lit spherical sculpture represents 2300 kilometres of the sun’s surface.

It is very dangerous to look at the sun directly as it can damage our eyesight, so Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect its extraordinarily detailed surface, including sunspots, spicules and filaments.

The sculpture also features the source of the solar flares which caused the Northern lights to be visible from the UK in May 2024. The installation is a fusion of solar imagery, animated lighting and a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.

Helios, in ancient Greek mythology, is the god who personifies the sun. He drove a four-horse chariot across the sky each day, giving the earth its hours and seasons.

The imagery for the artwork has been compiled using photographs of the sun provided by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green, taken between May 2018 and June 2024, and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) observations of the sun, with guidance from solar scientist, Professor Lucie Green of University College London (UCL).

Helios was co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.

Luke Jerram’s multi-disciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. In 2019 Luke was elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Helios follows on from his other astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars.

• Helios can be viewed at Goole Market Hall between 25 September and 5 October. Click here to check Goole Market Hall’s opening hours before visiting.

Events Around The Sun

A special programme of Around The Sun-themed events has been planned to coincide with the visit of Helios; click on the links below to view each individual event listing. All events will take place at Goole Market Hall (around Helios), unless otherwise stated.

Planetarium: As part of your visit to see Helios, step inside a giant inflatable dome at Junction Goole (next door to Goole Market Hall) and journey beyond the sun to explore the wonders of the solar system. This is a FREE event, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Sandra’s Wedding and Friends Around The Sun: The hugely popular Goole band will perform at Goole Market Hall on the evening of Friday 25 September, with special guests. This is FREE event and everyone is welcome.

Yoga Around The Sun: Resilient Soul Yoga will host a yoga session (on behalf of Incredible Edible Marshlands) on the morning of Sunday 27 September. This is a FREE event, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Live music from Flash Cassette Around The Sun: The West Yorkshire-based act will bring its unique, electronic disco sounds to Goole Market Hall on the evening of Sunday 27 September. This is a FREE event, and everyone is welcome.

Line Dancing Around The Sun: Genie Young will host a FREE Line Dancing workshop for people of all ages and abilities on the morning of Monday 28 September. Places must be booked in advance.

Jewellery-making Workshop Around The Sun: Emma Dale hosts a sun-inspired jewellery-making workshop on the evening of Monday 28 September. Tickets are priced at £30 per person and must be booked in advance.

Family Rave Around The Sun: On the morning of Tuesday 29 September, Boomchikkaboom will take over Goole Market Hall for a Family Rave, aimed at babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their grown-ups. Tickets, priced from £3, must be booked in advance.

Sketching The Sun: Artist Charlotte Holm will help participants to sketch Helios in this FREE workshop taking place on the evening of Tuesday 29 September. Places must be booked in advance.

Quiz Night Around The Sun: Brew+, which operates Goole Market Hall, will host a sun-themed quiz on the evening of Wednesday 30 September. There’s a £2 entry fee per team and everyone is welcome.

Helios X Sun Rings: Junction Goole and Goole Town Council present Helios X Sun Rings, performed by Phaedra Ensemble and the Goole 200 Community Chour, with Music in The Round. This is a FREE event, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Allies Of The Sun Film-making Workshop: Riot Girl Collective hosts a two-day, punk film-making workshop on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October. Places are FREE, but must be booked in advance.

Markham Main Colliery Band Around The Sun: Enjoy live brass music from one of Yorkshire’s best bands on the afternoon of Sunday 4 October. This is a FREE event and everyone is welcome.