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Stargazing Live
Stargazing Live 2019
In February we welcomed visitors to experience the wonders of the Universe at our popular Stargazing Live event. The evening comprised of a Science exhibition, Stargazing with the York Astronomical Society and lecture from the eminent Cosmologist, Professor Joseph Silk.
The exhibition was held in the new Pascal building. The science exhibitors included the St Olave’s science club, who helped visiting children to make air-rockets. The University of York brought their Cosmodome and Nuclear Physics Lego. Visitors saw spectroscopy in a suitcase, also from York University. The Institute of Physics showcased a variety of scientific experiments and exhibits. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust brought along some amazing pictures and there was also expert advice on hand from the Grover’s Telescopes team. York Astronomical Society provided an impressive array of telescopes. Visitors had the opportunity to glimpse into the far reaches of space, with thanks to the good conditions that blessed the skies above York on the night.
The evening concluded with an exploration on the origins of the Universe by cosmologist Professor Joseph Silk from Johns Hopkins University. Professor Silk is the Gresham Professor of Astronomy and is well known for discovering the Silk Damping effect in cosmology, which in part explains the size of galaxies. In his talk, Professor Silk explored some of the theories that explain how the Universe originated, by looking at some of the earliest observations of the cosmos through to some of the most up to date research.
This was a hugely successful event and it was great that so many families came along to Stargazing this year. It was a real pleasure to see all generations enjoying the wonders of the Universe together. Grateful thanks go to the York Astronomical Society for their continued support of the event, as well as all of the exhibitors and of course Professor Silk for a wonderful talk.
