Giant Sun rises in Plymouth's Market Hall

Luke Jerram with Helios which dominates the Market Hall

A monumental new artwork representing the Sun has arrived in Plymouth.

Internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram has brought his latest installation, Helios, to the Market Hall in Devonport.

The 23ft (7m) wide inflatable sphere is illuminated and accompanied by audio which includes a dawn chorus and sounds from solstice celebrations.

"We're not normally allowed to look at the Sun because it's so damaging to our eyes, this artwork lets people see the surface of the Sun, in a safe and beautiful way," said Jerram.

Helios is bringing art to a diverse audience at the Market Hall said Luke Jerram

Jerram, whose previous works include large-scale sculptures of the Earth and Moon that have toured cathedrals around the world, said Helios was inspired by a desire to complete the celestial trilogy.

"I was interested in making a Sun, but I wanted it to be quite different," he explained.

"The National Trust got very excited about the idea, and commissioned the piece.

"It's since toured stately homes across the UK and has been really well received."

Now, Helios is making its way to a different kind of grand setting, the architecturally striking Market Hall in Devonport.

"It's a practical challenge, the sculpture is seven metres in diameter, so you need a building big enough to house it," he said.

"But I also want these artworks to reach broad and diverse audiences, and the Market Hall is perfect for that."

The surface of Helios is based on more than 40,000 high-resolution images of the Sun.

Jerram spent six months developing the internal lighting system, which gives the sphere a dynamic, rippling glow.

To help viewers grasp the scale of the Sun, the installation includes a 2.3in (6cm) model of the Earth.

"When you see that tiny Earth and realise how small and fragile we are, it really puts things into perspective," Jerram added.

Helios is open to the public at the Market Hall until 28 September and entry is free.