Jul 23 2013
Spaceport, the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) and Merseytravel have launched a brand new exhibition, 'The Observatory', bringing images from the world’s largest robotic telescope, the Liverpool Telescope in La Palma, to Merseyside. The only one of its kind in the UK, the exhibit has a direct download from the Telescope.
Image of LJMU observatory
This was unveiled to local school children from St Leo’s and Southmead Catholic Primary, Knowsley and Hilbre High School in Wirral and key science and technology representatives from the region including Andrew Miller MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on 18 July.
It is now open to the public and visitors to 'The Observatory' at Spaceport can interact with the computer generated images from the Telescope using a user-friendly interactive touch screen Personal Observation Decks (PODs) to surf the sky to discover and build their knowledge through self-driven investigation. They can join up stars to map out constellations and then drill down for information of particular stars in addition to viewing objects in our solar system such as Mars and Jupiter.
Professor Mike Bode, Director of the ARI, explains:
"The Observatory allows visitors to explore a large CGI image of the night sky as seen by the Liverpool Telescope which is located in La Palma in the Canary Islands. They can then "observe" and find out about thousands of astronomical objects - from planets and stars to nebulae and distant galaxies."
The images will also be used by school children from across the country through LJMU’s National Schools' Observatory (NSO), initially created to act as a link between schools and the telescope.
Professor Andy Newsam, Director of the National Schools’ Observatory added:
"This project provides a showcase for the Liverpool Telescope and opens it up to a wider audience. Space provides limitless opportunities to inspire and engage primary and secondary school children. We can open up the wonders of the solar system and beyond. Children have many challenging questions which can be explored and discussed. The exhibit will provide the catalyst to start looking at how we explore space, the technology which enables us to do this and discover more about the universe we live in."
Councillor Liam Robinson, Chair of Merseytravel said:
"LJMU provided much of the science of space within the Spaceport Attraction so this project enables links to be re-established with Spaceport and raise LJMU’s profile as being a leading authority in the field of astronomy and astrophysics."
Andrew Miller MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee said:
"The wonders of our universe are a great way to get children interested in science and I congratulate LJMU and Spaceport for their continuing partnership."
Press coverage included the Liverpool Echo, Bay TV and ITV:
Watch the Bay TV for insights from all involved and a look at the Exhibition: http://www.baytvliverpool.com/vod/?vid=MBV51e86809ce116
ITV.com http://www.itv.com/news/granada/update/2013-07-18/robotic-telescope-opens-up-the-universe/
For further information please visit the Spaceport website: http://www.spaceport.org.uk/content/PlanningAVisit/TheObservatory.aspx