University of York takes a voyage in space to celebrate Einstein Year
Posted on 30 August 2005
The free event will be held in the University's Exhibition Centre, in the Physics building, from 11am to 4pm. There will also be a number of activities on the University's sports fields, including displays of rocketry.The 'Voyages in Space' event, based on aspects of space linked to Einstein's work on relativity, is open to the general public, though it is particularly aimed at children over 10 years old.
A large number of demonstrations and exhibits, many of them interactive, will cover aspects on space, space travel and exploration: the position of planets in the solar system, galaxies, black holes, comets and what they are made of, images of the topography of Venus, space probes and much more. There will also be a short talk on the Origins of the Universe.
We are very excited about having the opportunity to show local children something about our universe and space exploration
Dr David Jenkins
Organiser, Dr David Jenkins of the University's Physics Department said, "We are very excited about having the opportunity to show local children something about our universe and space exploration. We hope to inspire them to follow in the footsteps of famous scientists like Einstein and be the astronomers and physicists of the future."
The outdoor display will not only give visitors the chance to learn about rockets but to try their hand at launching them. The demonstrations will include small rockets made from soft-drink bottles that are powered by water and have parachutes attached. There will also be displays using solid-fuel powered rockets, and rockets that are hydrogen-powered (demonstrating the use of cheap renewable energy).
Visitors can also take the opportunity to go see the University Observatory which houses a 14 inch Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with a cooled CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera. A CCD camera uses the same technology as an everyday digital camera but astronomical CCD cameras are cooled to remove electronic noise, which in a digital camera would hide the image of faint celestial objects.
Information will also be given on a new robotic telescope to be built at the University, which will be accessible to the local community through the Internet.
The first 100 people (or families) to attend the fun-day will receive a free telescope which otherwise can be bought for £3.99. There will also be a selection of telescopes on sale of differing sizes and at varying prices for budding astronomers. Visitors planning to attend the event by car can park free of charge in the University car park located close to the Physics building, accessible from Heslington Lane.
Notes to editors:
- The research interests of the Department of Physics span a wide range, within both physics and the interactions of physics with other disciplines. The research groups have international recognition and the Department has many collaborations with other research groups in the UK and abroad.
- Photocall: 10am Wednesday 31 August. Rockets that will be on show at the fun-day will be demonstrated by Dr David Jenkins and schoolchildren. Meet at Physics Reception and ask for Nicola Coates.