Discovering the stars at the University of Southampton

Hundreds of local people flocked through the doors of the University of Southampton to take part in a special astronomical event coinciding with BBC Two’s Stargazing LIVE.

More than 400 people of all ages attended the free family event run by the University’s Physics and Astronomy division.

They were able to marvel at the wonders of the University’s inflatable mobile planetarium the Soton Astrodome, listen to lectures on Black Holes and Rocks from Space and the Death of the Dinosaurs and for the younger guests there were inflatable planets and colouring in.

Visitors could also play interactive computer games, investigate spacecraft test models and find out the damage space debris can do to household objects in a series of hands-on activities and demonstrations organised by the Astronautics Research Group.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Dean of Physical and Applied Sciences, said: “This was a great event that attracted 400 people. It is an excellent example of our outreach work that aims to get more people interested in studying Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton.”

The event was just one of a number of activities that the Soton Astrodome takes part in every year. The team regularly visit Hampshire schools as well as public places such as Southampton City Art Gallery to help local schoolchildren and members of the public discover the secrets of the universe.

University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Don Nutbeam attended the event. He said: “This is a wonderful way of engaging people of all ages in the wonders of the universe, help them understand the universe better and inspire the next generation of scientists.”

For more information on the Soton Astrodome and its activities visit www.astrodome.soton.ac.uk

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