International Year of Astronomy marked by free events

5 March 2009

Scientists are to celebrate the 400th anniversary of telescopic viewing of the night sky with a week-long series of special events in Wrexham.

A feast of astronomy talks and presentations have been put together for visitors to this year’s 11th annual Wrexham Science Festival to tie in with the 2009 International Year of Astronomy.

The celebratory year, which is being spearheaded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics, commemorates Galileo’s first glimpses of the night sky through a telescope in 1609.

Guy Hurst, editor of The Astronomer magazine, will kick off the themed talks by giving astronomy novices an introduction to the subject on Friday 27 March. Other astronomy events will follow every day throughout the following week.

Wrexham Science Festival organiser Corrina Jeffreys, events coordinator at Glyndŵr University, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to join with the rest of the world in celebrating astronomy, one of the most fascinating science subjects. Astronomy remains as popular an interest as ever for amateur and professional scientists alike, 400 years after it was effectively invented for the first time. Everyone will have the chance to discover just what a fascinating topic it is during Science Week.”

Other talks include “Eyes in the Skies – Monitoring Planet Earth from Space”, delivered by Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Glyndŵr University. Professor Wilkinson will talk about how satellites have been used to observe the Earth for over four decades, revealing striking images of satellite photos of the Earth.

Life on Mars is to be examined by space science expert Andrew Lound, the UK Regional Coordinator for The Planetary Society, the world’s largest space group. In 2005 he became the first western science speaker to tour Libya following the removal of sanctions.

“Astronomy’s Problem with Light Pollution” focuses on how we’re being deprived of seeing the universe in its full glory due to light pollution. Gerard Gilligan will present the talk on Thursday 2 April from 7.00pm at Glyndŵr University, Wrexham.

All events are free and open to all. To reserve a place call 01978 293473 or email wsf@glyndwr.ac.uk or visit www.wrexhamsf.com