This week, the University of Birmingham will open its doors to enthusiastic stargazers for two unique events at its Edgbaston campus. Discover the ins and outs of space travel, the Big Bang theory or the solar system with University experts.
The BBC’s Stargazing Live is back this year and has launched a number of exciting events throughout the UK to mark its return and encourage everyone, from the complete beginner to the enthusiastic amateur, to make the most of the night sky. University student society, AstroSoc and our Gravitational Wave research group have teamed up with BBC Stargazing to put on inspiring and educational astronomical activities for students and the local community in line with the BBC stargazing TV series.
Contributing to a national stargazing celebration, the exciting events include planetarium shows, Mars Rover simulation, rocket making, playing Black Hole Pong, telescope building, alien activities and night time star cruises as well as topical talks and discussions with experts from the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy. The events will take place on Wednesday 9 from 5pm and Saturday 12 January from 11am.
Andreas Freise, Reader in Experimental Physics, said `Our students are experts in producing inspiring activities for all ages and together with the BBC we can bring this to a new level. I really enjoy working with our enthusiastic volunteers to turn our science into something you can experience hands-on. My family and I are looking forward to trying out the many activities at the upcoming event.
You don't need any experience or equipment for these events, though if you have a telescope you can bring along, our experts will show you how best to use it and get the most out of your stargazing.
This event is registration only. For more details see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/date/events/stargazing_birmingham_20130109a
Download the computer game Black Hole Pong at: http://www.gwoptics.org/bhp
For media enquiries please contact Samantha Williams, University of Birmingham Press Office, 0121 414 6029 / s.k.williams@bham.ac.uk