Cosmic Chronicles: Modern astronomy seen through stories from history and culture
Lead Research Organisation:
Orkney International Science Festival
Department Name: Management
Abstract
The rationale for the project comes from the extraordinary success of the once-in-a-lifetime visit of the SUN and our determination not to lose what has been gained by it. Therefore, the overall aims of the project are to:
- Put on a programme of events keeping up the spirit of the SUN by drawing in audiences for wonder and delight, using the two deep SUN strengths - astronomy research and cultural links.
- Target the many people and schools who came to the SUN Installation last year and give them a follow-up with installations, events and activities throughout the seven days Festival this year (Thursday 5 to Wednesday 11 September 2024).
- Show how the cutting-edge of astronomy research can be linked to direct historical and cultural aspects of life and the ability to look deeper and ask questions.
- Build further on the enrichment of science capital for schools and community for the longer term.
These will be delivered by:
1. Developing and delivering in dialogue with individuals and institutions a mix of themed installations, activities, workshops and talks - a centrepiece for this year's programme
2. Putting together specific packages for schools visits, particularly from the outer islands
3. Building on the very successful support of the energy and technology companies for the SUN, to bring them to support for this new package of events and links with festival and community
The underlying background is Orkney's geographical remoteness - and its tradition of tackling this by creating its own solutions. This has led Orcadians to open up world-renowned archaeological excavations and build a renewable energy industry testing new wave and tidal technology and pioneering hydrogen for transport - and to develop a range of distinctive festivals. Orkney's tradition of backing innovation led to the development of OISF in 1991 with strong support from the Islands Council and community. To thrive, the Festival had to do things in style, continually innovating with ideas and partnerships. It aims to create a feeling of wonder, to bring in people of all ages for whom science seems distant from daily life, and then bring them back to explore more. Last year SUN in St Magnus Cathedral provided that sense of wonder, around which we built activities on solar and stellar topics. Astronomy has been a strong theme since our earliest years, when the late Archie E. Roy, professor of astronomy at Glasgow University, travelled around the islands with talks.
The overall impact we aim for is:
- Increase the understanding of astronomy and its advancement through the interactive installations and displays, i.e., "Gravity Synth", "An Imperfect Account of a Comet" and RAS bicentennial quilt.
- Increase audience engagement and participation, especially with families and young people by simplifying complex topics such as gravitational waves and historic astronomical events.
- Enhance understanding of historical and contemporary astronomical tools through hand-on workshops.
- Increase knowledge of historical significance/advancements in astronomy by showcasing local context such as excavations at the Ness of Brodgar and outings to Ring of Brodgar and linking local folklore with cosmic occurrences.
- Enhance observational and interpretive skills of public audience in astronomy through creative ways of combining art, music and science.
- Increased enthusiasm in astronomy-related careers by engaging with inspirational presenters and role models and and showcasing cutting-edge scientific research
- Put on a programme of events keeping up the spirit of the SUN by drawing in audiences for wonder and delight, using the two deep SUN strengths - astronomy research and cultural links.
- Target the many people and schools who came to the SUN Installation last year and give them a follow-up with installations, events and activities throughout the seven days Festival this year (Thursday 5 to Wednesday 11 September 2024).
- Show how the cutting-edge of astronomy research can be linked to direct historical and cultural aspects of life and the ability to look deeper and ask questions.
- Build further on the enrichment of science capital for schools and community for the longer term.
These will be delivered by:
1. Developing and delivering in dialogue with individuals and institutions a mix of themed installations, activities, workshops and talks - a centrepiece for this year's programme
2. Putting together specific packages for schools visits, particularly from the outer islands
3. Building on the very successful support of the energy and technology companies for the SUN, to bring them to support for this new package of events and links with festival and community
The underlying background is Orkney's geographical remoteness - and its tradition of tackling this by creating its own solutions. This has led Orcadians to open up world-renowned archaeological excavations and build a renewable energy industry testing new wave and tidal technology and pioneering hydrogen for transport - and to develop a range of distinctive festivals. Orkney's tradition of backing innovation led to the development of OISF in 1991 with strong support from the Islands Council and community. To thrive, the Festival had to do things in style, continually innovating with ideas and partnerships. It aims to create a feeling of wonder, to bring in people of all ages for whom science seems distant from daily life, and then bring them back to explore more. Last year SUN in St Magnus Cathedral provided that sense of wonder, around which we built activities on solar and stellar topics. Astronomy has been a strong theme since our earliest years, when the late Archie E. Roy, professor of astronomy at Glasgow University, travelled around the islands with talks.
The overall impact we aim for is:
- Increase the understanding of astronomy and its advancement through the interactive installations and displays, i.e., "Gravity Synth", "An Imperfect Account of a Comet" and RAS bicentennial quilt.
- Increase audience engagement and participation, especially with families and young people by simplifying complex topics such as gravitational waves and historic astronomical events.
- Enhance understanding of historical and contemporary astronomical tools through hand-on workshops.
- Increase knowledge of historical significance/advancements in astronomy by showcasing local context such as excavations at the Ness of Brodgar and outings to Ring of Brodgar and linking local folklore with cosmic occurrences.
- Enhance observational and interpretive skills of public audience in astronomy through creative ways of combining art, music and science.
- Increased enthusiasm in astronomy-related careers by engaging with inspirational presenters and role models and and showcasing cutting-edge scientific research
Planned Impact
The Festival team will have a focused yet diverse planning and dissemination plan in order to communicate, disseminate information, and engage our target audience to achieve the key objectives of the project. We will do this by addressing the following:
- Imagery: the core image for OISF 2024, used for the programme, posters and social media, around astronomy theme
- Raise awareness to a wider audience through press releases and advertisements in local (The Orcadian, BBC Radio Orkney, the online newspaper The Orkney News, the Orkney.com site) and regional (The Press & Journal) media.
- Distribution and display of programme at key locations such as libraries, museums, visitor centres, shops, transport operators and wider national publicity through Event Scotland have been instrumental to expand our audience reach.
- The OISF website will feature dedicated webpages for each of the project
- The Festival's own online magazine Frontiers will have features on astronomy and related topics
- Social media: using the Festival's Facebook (3,889 Followers), Twitter (2,607 Followers), Instagram (474 followers) pages
- Newsletters: including the Festival's own Newsletter and direct communication to schools and community groups.
- Advertising: including an advertorial feature in the islands' newspaper The Orcadian
- Conferences (astronomy): presenting about wider engagement across a range of venues at educational outreach sessions at, for example, the National Astronomy Meeting or International Astronomical Union Conferences
The various elements will be brought together in a detailed Marketing Plan by Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Woodcock and bring in volunteers to help share social media content. Artist Selena Kuzman will design marketing materials and information for the Festival website. Over the years, the Festival has developed close relationships with island communities by working with community development and Operations Officers who have featured several events in the programme in their communities.
- Imagery: the core image for OISF 2024, used for the programme, posters and social media, around astronomy theme
- Raise awareness to a wider audience through press releases and advertisements in local (The Orcadian, BBC Radio Orkney, the online newspaper The Orkney News, the Orkney.com site) and regional (The Press & Journal) media.
- Distribution and display of programme at key locations such as libraries, museums, visitor centres, shops, transport operators and wider national publicity through Event Scotland have been instrumental to expand our audience reach.
- The OISF website will feature dedicated webpages for each of the project
- The Festival's own online magazine Frontiers will have features on astronomy and related topics
- Social media: using the Festival's Facebook (3,889 Followers), Twitter (2,607 Followers), Instagram (474 followers) pages
- Newsletters: including the Festival's own Newsletter and direct communication to schools and community groups.
- Advertising: including an advertorial feature in the islands' newspaper The Orcadian
- Conferences (astronomy): presenting about wider engagement across a range of venues at educational outreach sessions at, for example, the National Astronomy Meeting or International Astronomical Union Conferences
The various elements will be brought together in a detailed Marketing Plan by Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Woodcock and bring in volunteers to help share social media content. Artist Selena Kuzman will design marketing materials and information for the Festival website. Over the years, the Festival has developed close relationships with island communities by working with community development and Operations Officers who have featured several events in the programme in their communities.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Howie Firth (Principal Investigator) |
| Title | Comet Banner |
| Description | A set of banners were created by Callum Potter, ex-President and current member of British Astronomical Association. It was prominently displayed at the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Centre, the venue for "An Imperfect Account of a Comet" Installation. The display depicted comets in history from Halley to Neowise, along with the science behind comets, space missions to comets, and photographs of comets in the 20th and 21st century.. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The Comet display served as both an educational and community-oriented feature, drawing attention to the history, science, and cultural impact of comets from ancient times to the present. The installation's recognition of notable space missions and contemporary comet photography underscored scientific achievements while supporting community's interest in astronomy, contributing to a shared appreciation for this celestial phenomenon. |
| URL | https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14PYU201beVCwViGgkkvFIYWfVVXIw8a7 |
| Title | Comet and RAS Quilt Installation visit Feedback Form |
| Description | The Feedback Forms are documents designed to collect input and opinions from participants who experienced the Comet, RAS Quilt installation and the astronomy-related activities. These forms typically include questions about the school pupil's overall experience and their impressions of the installation |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The development of the Feedback Forms facilitated the collection of valuable insights into the visitor experience. We received feedback from 109 of 146 pupils who visited the installation. This feedback provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the installations on participants' perceptions and experiences, allowing for informed decisions to refine and enhance future events. |
| URL | https://oisf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OISF-2024-Event-Feedback-STFC.pdf |
| Description | University of Glasgow |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Department | Physics and Astronomy Department |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We provided a platform through the Festival for their outreach to a remote and rural area, with much publicity, and we assisted with their collaborative music project Gravity Synth. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They provided several talks and activities for the Festival, including the talk Gold in the Stars by Prof. Martin Hendry, the event Swimming With Gravitational Waves involving Dr Andrew Spencer of the University, the event The Music of Deep Time with Dr Andrew Spencer and the audiovisual artist Leon Trimble, and activities at the Family Day with Dr Spencer. They also brought in a former Glasgow researcher, Dr Graeme Eddolls of Syracuse University. This year added further to the longstanding existing collaboration with the University's School of Physics and Astronomy and took it to a new level. There are a number of URLs for the various events, linked to the overall 2024 Festival programme on the Festival website www.oisf.org. |
| Impact | The outcomes includes the various successful events, and the contacts that the events opened up, for both the Festival and the University, and the various ideas that opened up for future activities together. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | University of Glasgow |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Department | Physics and Astronomy Department |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We provided a platform through the Festival for their outreach to a remote and rural area, with much publicity, and we assisted with their collaborative music project Gravity Synth. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They provided several talks and activities for the Festival, including the talk Gold in the Stars by Prof. Martin Hendry, the event Swimming With Gravitational Waves involving Dr Andrew Spencer of the University, the event The Music of Deep Time with Dr Andrew Spencer and the audiovisual artist Leon Trimble, and activities at the Family Day with Dr Spencer. They also brought in a former Glasgow researcher, Dr Graeme Eddolls of Syracuse University. This year added further to the longstanding existing collaboration with the University's School of Physics and Astronomy and took it to a new level. There are a number of URLs for the various events, linked to the overall 2024 Festival programme on the Festival website www.oisf.org. |
| Impact | The outcomes includes the various successful events, and the contacts that the events opened up, for both the Festival and the University, and the various ideas that opened up for future activities together. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Astronomy and Space Science-related schools workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A series of educational workshops, led by Dr. Anne-Marie Weijmans (University of St Andrews), Dr. Vassilios Spathopoulos and Prof. Martin Hendry and Jessica Fletcher (RSE), were offered through the Festival's Schools Programme, suitable for primary (P1-P7) and secondary-aged pupils (S1-S6) levels. Each workshop was tailored to different age groups and interests, engaging pupils with astronomy through hands-on activities and interactive talks, covering topics from constellation creation and stone circle modeling to the evolution of galaxies and ancient astronomical tools. The workshops aimed to deepen students' understanding of astronomy by linking scientific concepts with hands-on exploration and storytelling. Younger students designed their own constellations and stone circles, fostering creativity and spatial awareness, while older students delved into the history of galaxies and the technological advancements in astronomy, like early star catalogues and telescopes. In addition, young learners also explored some of the most fascinating questions in cosmic history and the search for extraterrestrial life. The workshops sparked curiosity in STEM, with schools reporting heightened interest in science topics among students, especially around celestial phenomena, ancient technology, and observational tools. Feedback from schools indicated that the sessions inspired curiosity in astronomy and advanced topics, with students actively discussing and questioning these concepts afterward. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/portfolio-items/primary-schools-programme-2024/ |
| Description | Astronomy talks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A series of engaging talks at the Orkney Science Festival aimed to spark public interest in astronomy, planetary science, and historical exploration through expert speakers. 1. "Gold in the Stars" by Prof. Martin Hendry Astrophysicist Prof. Martin Hendry from the University of Glasgow explored the cosmic origins of gold and precious metals, highlighting recent breakthroughs in gravitational wave detection from neutron star collisions. By connecting with historical figures like Lord Kelvin, Prof. Jocelyn Bell, and Orcadian physicist Ron Drever, Hendry shared an inspiring perspective on the evolution of astrophysics. Audience members gained insight into the science behind precious metals, fostering excitement in astrophysical research and its local ties. 2. "Living on the Moon" by Prof. Mahesh Anand Prof. Mahesh Anand discussed the renewed interest in lunar exploration, presenting the Moon as a testbed for future Mars and asteroid missions and sharing recent discoveries of lunar water. This talk inspired curiosity about planetary science and potential human habitation of space, renewing public interest in lunar exploration. 3. "Old Boats and Older Cargoes" by Lorna Summers and Dr. Vassilios Spathopoulos Lorna Summers recounted the history of Portsoy's traditional boat festival, while Dr. Spathopoulos introduced the ancient Antikythera mechanism, a 2,000-year-old astronomical calculator. Attendees were drawn into stories of maritime history and ancient technology, enhancing appreciation for historical scientific achievements. 4. "The Bear and the Ship" by Dr. Howie Firth Dr. Howie Firth traced an old Shetland folktale's connections across cultures and into the night sky, linking mythology with astronomy. The talk encouraged cross-cultural connections and brought ancient tales to life, connecting folklore with astronomical themes. 5. "The Sky Above and Earth Below" by Dr. Sian Prosser and Dr. Sue Bowler This talk featured historic night sky images and geophysical maps from the Royal Astronomical Society archives, presented by Dr. Sian Prosser and Dr. Sue Bowler. Audiences experienced the beauty of astronomical and Earth imagery, sparking interest in both celestial and terrestrial sciences. 6. "Orkney Sky at Night" by Callum Potter and Eric Walker Callum, former British Astronomical Association President, and Eric, past Chair of the Highlands Astronomical Society, explored into observing stunning night-sky sights like Saturn and the vibrant Northern Lights. In addition, they shared tips on where to look and how to photograph celestial wonders, helping amateur astronomers enhance their stargazing skills. The talks created a platform for interdisciplinary learning, igniting curiosity in diverse scientific topics and celebrating the intersection of history, science, and culture. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/portfolio-items/talks-2024/ |
| Description | Celebrating Scientific Legacy through Music |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Festival hosted two music and science related events. "Ursa Minor" by Stuart MacRae with Dr. Anne-Marie Weijmans Composer Stuart MacRae's quintet "Ursa Minor," performed by the Hebrides Ensemble, was presented alongside a narrative from astronomer Dr. Anne-Marie Weijmans, who shared stories of notable stars in the Little Bear constellation. The performance illustrated the blend of music and astronomy, underscoring light's role in astronomical research. This event captivated audiences by combining music with scientific storytelling, highlighting Scotland's role in interdisciplinary studies of the night sky. "Sit Me Doon with Mr. Boom" was an interactive musical experience for families, where participants sang along with the character Mr. Boom, sharing whimsical messages "from the Moon." This lighthearted program inspired curiosity in younger audiences and families, fostering interest in space and science in an accessible, entertaining way. Collectively, these events introduced a broad audience to complex scientific concepts, promoting interdisciplinary connections between art, music, and science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/fest-event/ursa-minor/ |
| Description | Celebrating Scientific Legacy through audio-visual special events |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We hosted several unique audio-visual events to engage audiences with astronomy and astrophysics through music, laser installations, and immersive experiences, blending art and science in creative ways. The Gravity Synth Installation at Pickaquoy Centre Pool offered audiences an introduction to gravitational waves by Dr. Andrew Spencer of Glasgow University, followed by an opportunity to swim while listening to music inspired by these cosmic ripples. Created by digital artist Leon Trimble in collaboration with underwater sound artist Joel Cahen, this interactive installation offered participants a sensory connection to astronomical phenomena through sound both above and below water. The activity fostered curiosity in astrophysics by providing an accessible, immersive learning experience. The Music of Deep Time evening event featured Leon Trimble's imagery and music inspired by gravitational waves, set in the context of Orkney's ancient history. Through live music and visual storytelling, attendees learned about the astrophysical processes behind gravitational waves and Trimble's innovative sound projects. Dr. Spencer offered insights into the science behind gravitational waves, linking cutting-edge research with the region's deep geological past. The installation increased awareness of astrophysics, with plans for future collaborations on similar projects. The mix of live demonstrations, multimedia performances, and interactive experiences encouraged public engagement with astrophysics, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for science and its relevance to everyday life. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/fest-event/swimming-with-gravitational-waves/ |
| Description | Media Coverage |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The Festival partnered with regional media outlets such as The Orcadian and BBC Radio Orkney for targeted advertisements, news features, and interviews. Online resources such as Orkney.com, The Orkney News, and The Islander magazine also publicise events, reaching both local residents and visitors. Regional outreach efforts supported with systematic coverage through outlets like The Press & Journal and BBC Highland, along with curated stories that highlight key topics and speakers, aiming to attract even wider attention in future years. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/MediaPress-articles.pdf |
| Description | School Package of Astronomy related art/science activities |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The project "An Imperfect Account of a Comet" was developed to engage school groups, families, and island communities in Orkney with astronomy's history, inspired by Caroline Herschel's 18th-century celestial discoveries. The installation, held in Kirkwall Town Hall during the Orkney International Science Festival (5-11 Sept 2024), included glass plates representing stars missing from John Flamsteed's British Star Catalogue, created by Orkney artist Lynda Laird, alongside "8 Comets"-an audio piece with music and readings from Herschel's journals. This multidisciplinary exhibit highlighted Herschel's scientific contributions while addressing the gender gap in STEM fields and encouraging STEM careers in remote and high-deprivation areas. In addition, The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) Bicentennial quilt was created in celebration of RAS's 200th anniversary, featuring 100 patchwork squares that artistically capture various astronomical themes. Notably, two squares contributed by Rousay resident Morag Potter illustrate the aurora from the International Space Station and Jupiter from the Juno mission. Displayed at St Magnus Cathedral during the Orkney International Science Festival (5-11 Sept 2024), the quilt was accessible through a secured setup arranged by Callum Potter and RAS librarian Dr. Sian Prosser. Supported by Stagecoach, the Festival arranged free transport for 146 pupils and 32 educators from 8 local schools to visit the Comet Installation, where astronomer Callum Potter provided additional insights with pop-up banners and discussion on Herschel's work and comets. Public and family attendees totaled over 261 visited the Comet Installation, fostering community interest in astronomy through an engaging, artistic medium. Additionally, over 7,725 public and family visitors viewed the quilt, sparking lasting interest in astronomy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/portfolio-items/schools-programme-2024/ |
| Description | Social media coverage |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Festival uses a comprehensive multi-platform strategy to engage audiences, promote its events, and raise awareness of scientific topics, astronomy, and Orkney's cultural heritage. Through its website, online magazine Frontiers, and social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), it shares engaging content and features about upcoming speakers and events. Festival's dedicated Marketing personnel support this outreach by coordinating social media posts and establishing partnerships with local and national media, enhancing visibility and community engagement. For a broader reach, information was also distributed through local Facebook groups, Orkney-specific community pages, and interest groups, including environmental, agricultural, and arts communities. On Facebook, the post about the RAS Quilt and received over 5.8k impressions and 5.6K reach. The video around Gravitational Waves events had over 1k reach and the highlights with various astronomy related talks compounded to 2.5k reach and impressions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-Marketing-report-for-STFC.pdf |
| Description | Special workshop influenced by Space Science and AI |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In a collaborative workshop, Dr. Matjaž Vidmar of Edinburgh University and Stephen Foggo from Orkney-based Kyloe Partners explored the potential of AI to enhance remote and island communities. Traditionally, industrial development draws people to urban centers; however, digital advances now enable work in even the most remote locations. Dr. Vidmar, who integrates AI with space technology and innovation, and Foggo, a local software developer using AI in recruitment, discussed how AI could uniquely benefit island economies. Participants contributed ideas, supported by provided tea, coffee, and biscuits. The event aimed to examine AI's role in empowering remote communities, engaging attendees in identifying unique applications suited to island life. Participants gained insight into AI's potential impacts, fostering a local interest in innovative technology solutions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://oisf.org/fest-event/workshop-an-island-angle-for-ai/ |