April’s Top Space Events in the UK
As we enter the month of April, we find ourselves eagerly awaiting Easter and a total solar eclipse. But why not take your April adventures to cosmic heights with the most exciting space events happening across the UK? From planetarium tours to thought-provoking panel discussions on the future of space exploration, this month is brimming with opportunities to delve into the wonders of the universe.
On April 2nd, head over to the Southend Central Museum & Planetarium in Southend-on-Sea for a guided tour of their first-floor Hintze Hall balconies and Minerals Gallery. This tour will introduce you to the gripping stories of female scientists whose contributions changed our understanding of space. Explore rare meteorites and learn about the research of female space scientists past and present. Discover more about the cutting-edge science and space research being done at the museum.
If you’re curious about meteors, comets, and shooting stars, don’t miss the special object-handling sessions at the Southend Central Museum & Planetarium on April 3rd. Join the knowledgeable planetarium team for a hands-on experience with real space materials. Uncover the mysterious galactic past of these objects and explore interactive sessions as part of the Easter holiday Space Day.
On April 8th, the Royal School of Mines in London will host a panel discussion in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council. The panel will address the question of how the space sector can overcome international conflicts. With growing concerns about the space sector becoming an additional arena for international tensions, this discussion aims to explore avenues for peaceful utilization of space and contribute to a safe and sustainable long-term future.
If you’re fascinated by stars and their role in the universe, don’t miss Dominic’s public lecture on April 11th at the University of York. Dominic will provide an introduction to asteroseismology, the study of ‘star quakes,’ and discuss its application to stars using high-precision data from space telescopes. He will focus on the asteroseismology of massive stars, which play a crucial role in the Universe’s chemical and energetic feedback.
On April 16th, the Royal Astronomical Society in London will host a discussion on how the understanding of Astronomy is acquired and shared in the 21st century. With advances in educational technology, the opportunities for developing interest in astronomy are manifold. This event will explore how educational practices are evolving and changing the way we engage with the subject.
From April 17th to 19th, the Royal Aeronautical Society in London will host an in-person event focusing on clean energy from space for a greener future. Building on the success of a previous online event, this conference aims to delve deeper into the realm of clean energy from space and provide a platform for networking and building partnerships between the space and energy sectors.
On April 26th, join Peiris at The Royal Institution of Great Britain for a discourse on cosmology. Peiris will discuss the remarkable progress in cosmology, driven by the interplay between theory and observations. She will highlight the discoveries that have led to our current understanding of dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic structure. This talk will also explore how laboratory experiments are helping test new fundamental physics paradigms.
Curious about the truly unusual objects in the universe? On April 29th, head to Conway Hall in London for a discussion on Boyajian’s star. This faint presence in the constellation of Cygnus attracted astronomers’ attention when it began flickering alarmingly. The talk will explore various explanations for its behavior, from disintegrating comets to alien megastructures. Discover how modern astronomy hunts for the most intriguing objects in the Universe.
Finally, on April 30th, join astronomer Lisa Kaltenegger at Blackwell’s Bookshop in Oxford for an eye-opening insight into the search for life on faraway worlds. Kaltenegger will share her team’s efforts to find life using Earth’s diverse biosphere and history as a guide. She will introduce the most unusual exoplanets that have challenged our worldview and discuss the best contenders for Alien Earths.
With so many exciting space events happening across the UK this April, there’s no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos. Whether you’re interested in female scientists’ contributions, the future of space exploration, or the search for alien life, these events offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your adventures to cosmic heights and explore the infinite universe.