The School of Physics and Astronomy donated an archive of over 4,000 astronomical plates showing images of the universe, to local artists and curators. The result is an inspiring collection of exhibitions and activities anyone can get involved with.
Before the advent of specialist software, astronomers used astronomical plates to study the universe. Each of these photographic ‘slides’ were made from acetate and represent a particular location in space. When placed side-by-side they map out the entire night sky and were used along with a celestial coordinates system, much like latitude and longitude on Earth. Although software has now replaced them they remain objects of beauty in their own right.