Unlike the moon, which we have been gazing at for millennia, the first time humankind got to see the Earth in its entirety as a blue marble floating in space was in 1972 with NASA’s Apollo 17 mission. At this moment, our perception and understanding of our planet changed forever. Hanging in the black emptiness of space the Earth seems isolated, a precious and fragile island of life. From a distance, the Earth is just a pale blue dot.

The installation will be officially launched on the evening of Thursday October 17 with a special free dance event, Dance Around the World. Dance in the UKs most feted ballroom under our earth, with Luke Jerram’s spectacular installation, Gaia.

Take to the floor as the Tower Ballroom organists serenade you to an appropriate selection of night-themed classics, or sit back and relax to enjoy entertainment from local dance schools AA Dance performing ballroom and Latin dance, Langley Dance Academy, Preston’s Fever Dance Company showcasing a mix of fun energy dance moves, plus a special Lightpool Festival performance from House of Wingz. Entrance is Free, no dancing experience necessary.