Archive for August, 2007

Astronomy Now special report on infrared astronomy

Published Friday, 17 August, 2007 Astronomy Now , astronomy outreach , science writing 0 Comments

The latest issue of Astronomy Now is now in the shops. Why not check out my Special Report on the latest incredible images from the AKARI Infrared spacecraft as well as my feature on 10 astronomy experiments for the younger audience.

South West Astronomy Fair

Published Sunday, 12 August, 2007 astronomy outreach , observatories 0 Comments

Yesterday I spent an enjoyable morning visiting the South West Astronomy Fair at the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth Devon. As well as a variety of trade stands selling anything from space-art, meteorites, telescopes and astronomy books there was an excellent selection of talks from the likes of notable astronomers Nik Szymanek, Dr. Robin Catchpole and Prof. Don Kurtz. On top of this the observatory, where Lockyer carried out his famous work, was open for all to have a look around. Planetarium shows ran throughout the day. The observatory society are hoping to organize another fair next year and I thoroughly recommend you to pop along when they do,  as it was a great day out.

Skinakas Observatory, Crete

Published Wednesday, 8 August, 2007 astronomy outreach , observatories 0 Comments
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At the beginning of the week I was lucky enough to visit the Skinakas Observatory on the Greek island of Crete. The observatory is located at an altitude of 1750 metres on a plateau near the Ida mountain range. From its awesome vantage point the site experiences excellent periods of seeing (a steady atmosphere) and clear nights for much of the year. It is run by the University of Crete and is a centre for research into galaxies, Active Galactic Nuclei and other astrophysical phenomenon. There are three domes, the largest shown in the photo below houses a large 1.3m reflecting telescope.
The journey up to the observatory via the mountain roads was one of the hairiest drives I’ve ever had but was well worth it for the views and serenity. The sight of large birds of prey, wheeling in the air above where the Greek God Zeus is said to have been raised, was incredible. On certain days there are open days. To find out more about the site and its research visit the observatory’s website.
Image credit: Will Gater

About this site

Before becoming a full-time science writer in 2007, Will studied Astrophysics at University College London. He has written for the UK’s top astronomy magazines and has appeared on television and radio (including the BBC’s The Sky At Night) to promote astronomy and science. He has worked for the European Space Agency's Hubble Space Telescope press office in Germany and is a former News Editor of Astronomy Now magazine in the UK. Today Will writes for BBC Sky At Night magazine. His first popular astronomy book is due to be published by Springer in 2009. Follow Will's Twitter feed here.

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All content copyright Will Gater 2007 (unless otherwise stated). The author is not responsible for the content of external links. Top-bar image courtesy ESA, The Millennium Simulation Project and the Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik