Astronomy Open Evening 2010

Tuesday 4th May, 7pm
Peter Chalk Centre, University of Exeter

Following the success of our IYA2009 event, we are pleased to announce a second Astronomy Open Evening, on Tuesday 4th May 2010 at 7pm.

Join us on a journey through the Galaxy with a spectacular "From Earth to the Universe" exhibition, the Solar System to scale, and demonstrations and hands-on activities. Members of the Astrophysics Group will be on hand throughout to guide through the displays and answer your questions.

Our astronomers will talk about their latest results on the formation of stars and planets around other stars.

We have activities suitable for all ages including families with young children.

Talks

7:20

Introduction - Dr Jenny Hatchell

7:30

Astrophysics at Exeter - Dr Nathan Mayne

8:00

Protoplanetary Nurseries and the Search for Another Earth - Dr Barbara Ercolano

8:30

Stars and Star Formation - Dr Chris Brunt

9:00

Planets in the Solar System and Beyond - Dr Jenny Patience

Activities

Planets

Our Solar System to scale

Exploring planetary surfaces

Flying a helium blimp

Making craters

creating impact craters using flour and cocoa

Solar system holiday snaps

Have your picture taken on the Moon, Mars or in Space

Sundials and starcharts

Making folding sundials and starcharts

Infrared Imaging

View the world in infrared with our camera

Supercomputer simulations

Simulations of star formation and evolution from our supercomputer

Magic Planet

Explore the globe in this 3D display

Meteorites

A large meteorite for you to see with the chance of winning a small meteorite

Observing

Your chance to see Saturn, Venus, Mars, stars and star clusters using our telescopes (weather permitting)

Getting here

The Peter Chalk Centre is directly opposite the Northcott Theatre on the University of Exeter's Streatham campus. For travel directions see the Northcott Theatre travel page (but note, there will be no shuttle bus from car parks A and B that evening as there is no performance)

Contact

outreach@astro.ex.ac.uk

School of Physics
Stocker Road
University of Exeter
Exeter EX4 4QL

Out and about

If you miss our open evening, catch Astrophysics group members out and about at these events:

March 19th	Eli Bressert talks on star formation at Brannel astronomy
April 2nd	Nathan Mayne talks on stellar clusters at Callington
Sept 4th	Tim Naylor speaks at the British Astronomical Association's 'Out of London' event at the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth.