VISITORS to Colchester Castle can now see Mars up close after a huge art installation was put in place.
The six-metre-diameter spherical sculpture, created by artist Luke Jerram, arrived on Thursday and will be displayed until May 9.
It is made using 120dpi detailed NASA imagery, giving visitors a unique view of the surface of Mars.
Every centimetre of the artwork represents 11 kilometres of the Red Planet's landscape.
Every centimetre of this internally-lit artwork represents 11 kilometres of the Martian landscape, providing a sense of the planet’s vastness – despite it being nearly half the size of Earth.
Creator Luke said: "Mars follows on from my other touring astronomical artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia and allows a close encounter with the Martian planet.
"I hope that visitors will feel transported to its inhospitable desert wasteland and in comparison, really value our life on Earth.
"I enjoy presenting artwork in public spaces, as I know the audience will be broad and diverse and the exhibition will be open to everyone.
"I like the fact that whether Mars is presented in an art museum, science centre, park or busy street, the experience and interpretation of the artwork will change.
"The artwork allows us to view Mars from the air, as though we are a satellite mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail."
Natalie Sommers, portfolio holder for communities, heritage and public protection, said: “I’m thrilled Mars is finally here.
"Get ready to be transported to Mars’ desert wasteland and imagine what it would be like to set foot on this incredible planet.
"I encourage you to come and see this wonder for yourselves.”
For more information on the artist and the project, visit https://tinyurl.com/Information-on-project
Admission includes access to the Castle Museum, where visitors can explore 2,000 years of history while marvelling at the wonders of the uninhabited Red Planet.
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