GAIA, an installation by artist Luke Jerram, is the centrepiece of Salisbury International Arts Festival.

The rotating seven metre globe, which was installed at Salisbury Cathedral yesterday, features NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface and marks 50 years since the moon landings of 1969.

In Greek Mythology Gaia is the personification of the Earth.

The installation provides an opportunity to see the planet on this scale, floating under the spire crossing of Salisbury Cathedral.

The Bristol-based artist behind the installation Luke Jerram said: “I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after — our only home.

“Halfway through the Earth’s sixth mass extinction, we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour.

“We need to quickly make the changes necessary, to prevent run away Climate Change. There really is no Planet B.”

GAIA will form the backdrop to Salisbury Festival performances including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra playing Holst’s The Planets; Harriet Mackenzie leading a glorious, nature-inspired concert with the London Chamber Orchestra including Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending; and the Salisbury Festival Chorus performing Alec Roth’s beautiful choral work Earthrise.

GAIA can also be viewed at the cathedral which is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.