'See The Universe' At Queen's University

The public is being invited to "see the universe" at Queen's University this weekend as part of a major astronomy exhibition.

The exhibition, which is part of a national astronomy roadshow, has been developed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).

It features scale models of some of the world's largest and most advanced telescopes, as well as interactive exhibits and examples of the impact of astronomy on wider society.

The week-long exhibition will also feature public lectures from Professor Paul Roche, University of South Wales, entitled 'Seeing stars: science and education with big telescopes', and from Queen's Honorary Graduate Dame Professor Jocelyn Bell-Burnell, University of Oxford, entitled 'Astronomy and Big Telescopes'.

Professor Stephen Smartt, Director of the Astrophysics Research Centre in the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen's, said: "This exhibition is an opportunity for potential students and the public alike to see how Queen's and astronomy is having a real impact on the world around them and where a career in the subject could take them.

"Visitors will be offered an insight into what takes place in the world of astronomy, and the chance to meet some leading physicists and scientists who are making fascinating discoveries."

Professor John Womersley, STFC Chief Executive said: "This visit to Northern Ireland of the Seeing the Universe in All Its Light exhibition is a wonderful way to highlight and celebrate the Northern Irish contribution, through research and engineering, to astronomy around the world.

"Irish scientists, researchers and engineers are working at the forefront of international astronomy, helping to develop the workforce and technologies of the future and improving our understanding of our place in the Universe."

(IT/JP)