ROYAL OBSERVATORY, EDINBURGH PRESS RELEASE
Date: 4 April 2002
Issued by: Eleanor Geer
Tel: 0131 668 8397
Fax: 0131 668 8428
Email: [log in to unmask]
www.roe.ac.uk
Experience the Magic of Stardust!
Royal Observatory, Edinburgh Open Days
As part of the 2002 Edinburgh International Science Festival the Royal
Observatory, Edinburgh will be opening its doors to the public on 13 and 14
April (11am - 5pm). Activities, talks and demonstrations will be centred
around the theme of Stardust, focussing on how research using state of the
art technology made here in Edinburgh can reveal the secrets of cosmic dust.
It is the one opportunity in the year to go behind the scenes at Scotland's
world class astronomical establishment.
The universe is a very dusty place, but stardust is very different from the
kind of household dust we are all used to. It really is magical! It is the
birthplace of stars and galaxies, and it makes up the raw ingredients for
everything from planets to plants and even people.
Admission to the Open Days is free and includes entry to the Visitor Centre.
Highlights of this year's programme include:
- Talks: Several professional astronomers will be giving talks over the Open
Days. Titles include:
- Extrasolar plants: looking for other worlds
- Super cool astronomy
- A tail of two Comets
- Dark matter: black is white?
- Crawford Collection: Housed in the original Observatory building is the
library. This extensive collection of books, journals and periodicals was
founded through the generous gift of the Earl of Crawford in 1888. It is one
of the most important collections of historical astronomy texts in the
world.
- Laboratories and Workshops: This is where world class instruments are
designed and built. See how we test them by simulating the conditions found
at mountain top telescopes.
- The Starlab Planetarium: Watch the movement of stars and galaxies across
the sky. Shows will be run regularly all day.
The Starlab Planetarium is also appearing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, 6-10
April.
Our Roving Astronomers will be touring Edinburgh with their telescopes.
Roving Astronomers is a partnership with the Astronomical Society of
Edinburgh.
- ends -
Notes to Editors
1. The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh comprises the UK Astronomy Technology
Centre (UK ATC) of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
(PPARC), the Institute for Astronomy (IfA) of the University of Edinburgh
and the ROE Visitor Centre.
2. A full programme of Open Day events can be found at
www.roe.ac.uk/sciencefestival2002/
3. The Edinburgh International Science Festival includes over 200 events
designed to introduce science and technology to non-scientists of all ages.
Each year over 12,000 people attend shows, workshops, talks, tours and
hands-on activities in and around Edinburgh. Further details can be found at
www.sciencefestival.co.uk/
4. The 2002 International Science Festival runs from 5-16 April. The ROE
Open Days are on the 13 and 14 April.
5. The Visitor Centre is open throughout the year: Monday-Saturday 10-5, and
Sunday 12-5.
Eleanor Geer
Public Relations Officer
Royal Observatory (Edinburgh)
[log in to unmask]
0131 668 8397
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