Have you ever gazed up at the moon and wondered what it would be like close up?

Now's your chance to find out as a seven-metre replica is literally hanging out at Rochester Cathedral's nave for the next few weeks.

The groundbreaking Museum of the Moon is an exact replica of the astronomical body, as it was created using high definition lunar imagery from NASA by artist Luke Jerram.

And you can really see it - study the craters across its surface; consider why part of its surface is crater-free, and wonder where those giant first steps for mankind took place.

The touring exhibition which has wowed the world wherever it has gone, is free to see and is clearly proving popular in Rochester, as a steady stream of visitors pour into the cathedral to see it.

It's something that appeals to all ages - when we went ages from five to 85 were busy gazing up at it, taking selfies as though they were holding it up, or just standing or sitting, looking at it.

Artist Luke Jerram said of it: "I wanted to make the artwork seem as authentic and realistic as possible. For most people, this will be their most intimate, personal and closest encounter they will ever have with the moon. Many people spend hours with the moon exploring its every detail. Some visitors lie down and moon-bathe."

On the day we saw it, no-one was lying below it and looking up. It was tempting, and I'm sure if I had started that trend, others would have followed, but being that first person is a bit nerve wracking...

To date, more than 3million people have seen it around the world. The numbers in Rochester may not come close to that, but it will clearly be in the thousands, if just one rainy Sunday afternoon is anything to go by.

It is presented alongside specially composed surround sound music by Dan Jones which really adds to the atmosphere, and at one point it looked as though it was rotating, but it was actually just swaying gently.

As artist Luke says, it's possibly a once in a lifetime chance for us all. And if you get the chance - take it.

DETAILS

The Museum of the Moon is at Rochester Cathedral until Wednesday, March 4.

There will also be some family events around the museum at half term, some of which have a small extra cost. Find out more at rochestercathedral.org

Services continue while the moon is open to the public to view.

To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here.

Listen to our podcast on the exhibit here.