Luke Jerram: Helios

Helios is a seven-metre miniature model of the sun created by British artist Luke Jerram. The work combines image, light and sound, presenting the sun at a scale of approximately 1:200 million - each centimetre of the illuminated sculpture corresponds to 2,000 kilometres on the sun's surface.

The imagery is compiled from 400,000 photographs taken by space photographer Dr Stuart Green between May 2018 and June 2024. The material was produced at 72 dpi resolution, and the work also incorporates NASA observations with the assistance of solar research professor Lucie Green (University College London). The soundscape for the work was created by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.

Helios continues the series of Jerram's earlier astronomical works - Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars. The work is on display at Helsinki Cathedral from 1.10 to 1.11.2026 and is part of the cathedral's parish theme "Let Light Come!" which explores mental wellbeing and mental health.

Current opening hours can be found on the cathedral's website. Admission 8 €, free entry for under 18s.