Lancaster University Observational Astrophysics 2018-2021
Lead Research Organisation:
Lancaster University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The work proposed here tackles some of the most important open questions in astrophysics, broadly centred on understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies and the properties of the Universe itself. It is closely linked with the STFC Science Roadmap challenges pertaining to the roles and nature of dark matter and dark energy, the formation of the first stars and galaxies in the Universe and the still unsolved key question of how galaxies evolve. In order to address such fundamental questions, we use complementary approaches involving observation and modeling of the most distant and relatively nearby systems. We will shed light on the properties of nearby, faint dwarf galaxies by searching for traces of gas absorption in background quasar spectra. Looking further back in cosmic time, we will uncover the properties of thousands of "cosmic noon" galaxies, also along the lines-of-sight to distant QSOs, in order to explain the link between their star formation and the gas that fuels it. We will obtain a new sample of very distant galaxies using unique wide-area surveys, which provide the bright targets needed for detailed study of their physical properties. Finally, we will use Type Ia supernovae to study the evolution of the universe itself, making fundamental tests of the constancy of dark energy in time, and preparing for tests of spatial variation.
Our research involves making state-of-the-art observations using the world's most powerful and advanced telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and facilities run by the European Southern Observatory including ALMA (the Atacama Large Millimeter Array) and the VLT (Very Large Telescope). At the same time the group is involved in the scientific planning for several new telescopes and instruments that will come online in the next 10 years and that will revolutionise research in astrophysics. These include the 4-m Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (4MOST), the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) and in space the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the European Space Agency's Euclid mission.
Our research involves making state-of-the-art observations using the world's most powerful and advanced telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope and facilities run by the European Southern Observatory including ALMA (the Atacama Large Millimeter Array) and the VLT (Very Large Telescope). At the same time the group is involved in the scientific planning for several new telescopes and instruments that will come online in the next 10 years and that will revolutionise research in astrophysics. These include the 4-m Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (4MOST), the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) and in space the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the European Space Agency's Euclid mission.
Planned Impact
The beneficiaries of this research are primarily academics interested in the important areas of STFC Science Challenges as described in the STFC Science Roadmap, particularly understanding how galaxies like our own Milky Way formed and evolved, improving the precision of SN Ia measurements to better understand the roles of dark matter and dark energy, understanding the distribution of dark matter, and processes in the early universe. The impact of this research will be disseminated in the form of open-access publications in peer-reviewed journals, and talks at national and international conferences.
The research also has important economic and societal impacts. Research in astronomy and astrophysics addresses some of the most fundamental questions about our origins and the Universe around us. The excitement it generates inspires young people to enter science and research. All members of the Astrophysics group give regular public lectures some to sold out audiences such as Dr. Koch's lectures at "Haus der Astronomie" at the University of Heidelberg, and Dr. Sobral's ~10-15 public lectures reaching around 2000 people per year. The group will continue to use examples from their own research to enthuse public audiences. The group is also involved in the Physics department's schools outreach program, working with the department's Schools outreach Officer. The Department of Physics offers day-long "Cosmology and Astrophysics Masterclasses" and residential work experience and courses throughout the year. The new Observational Astrophysics group at Lancaster is augmenting the provision of such Masterclasses.
The group also reaches out to non-converted audiences and seeks to widen public engagement with astronomy and astrophysics. Prior to moving to Lancaster, the newest member of the group, Dr. Stott, participated in Stargazing Oxford (2015-2016), a 6-monthly outreach event that attracts up to 1000 members of the public. Finally, the applicants on this proposal have an excellent record in media engagement. Prof. Hook is regularly approached by the media to comment on cosmology and the next generation of telescopes. The work of Prof. Hook and Dr. Sobral are featured in the amateur astronomy media, such as Astronomy Now and Sky at Night magazine. Dr. Sobral has appeared in a major international 1-hour documentary produced by NHK (Japan) about the first stars and regarding his discovery of the CR7 galaxy.
The research also has important economic and societal impacts. Research in astronomy and astrophysics addresses some of the most fundamental questions about our origins and the Universe around us. The excitement it generates inspires young people to enter science and research. All members of the Astrophysics group give regular public lectures some to sold out audiences such as Dr. Koch's lectures at "Haus der Astronomie" at the University of Heidelberg, and Dr. Sobral's ~10-15 public lectures reaching around 2000 people per year. The group will continue to use examples from their own research to enthuse public audiences. The group is also involved in the Physics department's schools outreach program, working with the department's Schools outreach Officer. The Department of Physics offers day-long "Cosmology and Astrophysics Masterclasses" and residential work experience and courses throughout the year. The new Observational Astrophysics group at Lancaster is augmenting the provision of such Masterclasses.
The group also reaches out to non-converted audiences and seeks to widen public engagement with astronomy and astrophysics. Prior to moving to Lancaster, the newest member of the group, Dr. Stott, participated in Stargazing Oxford (2015-2016), a 6-monthly outreach event that attracts up to 1000 members of the public. Finally, the applicants on this proposal have an excellent record in media engagement. Prof. Hook is regularly approached by the media to comment on cosmology and the next generation of telescopes. The work of Prof. Hook and Dr. Sobral are featured in the amateur astronomy media, such as Astronomy Now and Sky at Night magazine. Dr. Sobral has appeared in a major international 1-hour documentary produced by NHK (Japan) about the first stars and regarding his discovery of the CR7 galaxy.
Publications
Giles P
(2022)
The XMM Cluster Survey analysis of the SDSS DR8 redMaPPer catalogue: implications for scatter, selection bias, and isotropy in cluster scaling relations
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gillman S
(2019)
The dynamics and distribution of angular momentum in HiZELS star-forming galaxies at z = 0.8-3.3
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gillman S
(2020)
The Evolution of Gas-Phase Metallicity and Resolved Abundances in Star-forming Galaxies at z ˜ 0.6 - 1.8
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Golovich N
(2019)
Merging Cluster Collaboration: A Panchromatic Atlas of Radio Relic Mergers
in The Astrophysical Journal
Golovich N
(2019)
Merging Cluster Collaboration: Optical and Spectroscopic Survey of a Radio-selected Sample of 29 Merging Galaxy Clusters
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Gris P
(2023)
Designing an Optimal LSST Deep Drilling Program for Cosmology with Type Ia Supernovae
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Gupta N
(2020)
Constraining radio mode feedback in galaxy clusters with the cluster radio AGNs properties to z ~ 1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gutiérrez-Soto L
(2020)
J-PLUS: Tools to identify compact planetary nebulae in the Javalambre and southern photometric local Universe surveys
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Guy Leanne P.
(2022)
Rubin-Euclid Derived Data Products: Initial Recommendations
in Zenodo id. 5836022
Hardcastle M
(2023)
The LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey VI. Optical identifications for the second data release
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Description | This grant focused on the very successful "See Change" high-z survey based on a multi-year HST program. More than 25 SNe at z>1 were discovered, the largest single sample for cosmology at high redshift. A paper led by the PDRA funded by this grant (Williams) presents the redshifts and host galaxy mass estimates for cosmology. The grant also enabled the PI to work on continuing preparation for major cosmology surveys that are planned with the LSST (name later changed to Rubin Observatory), the 4MOST instrument and the ESA mission. |
Exploitation Route | These results will be of interest to the astronomy and general physics community who are interested in the properties of Dark Energy. Depending on the results, our work may influence design of future experiments, surveys and missions. |
Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Education Other |
Description | The impact of this award outside academia is mainly in the area of public engagement in science and education. The research directly funded in this award (in terms of staff effort) is concerned with the study of Dark Energy, and hence with our origins and the ultimate fate of the universe. Other research of the Observational Astrophysics group in the area of galaxy evolution has also been supported. These areas of research captures the public interest and has been the subject of several public talks including those at local astronomical societies. It is hoped that these engagement activities will help encourage the next generation into science. |
First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
Sector | Education,Other |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Lancaster University Observational Astrophysics 2021-2024 |
Amount | £413,917 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/V000713/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 03/2025 |
Title | AT 2019abn: multi-wavelength observations |
Description | VizieR online Data Catalogue associated with article published in journal Astronomy & Astrophysics with title 'AT 2019abn: multi-wavelength observations over the first 200 days.' (bibcode: 2020A&A...637A..20W) |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://cdsarc.cds.unistra.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/A+A/637/A20 |
Description | LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration |
Organisation | University of Chicago |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Planning survey strategies for the future Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) surveys via simulations and calculations. Also developing follow-up strategies for LSST transients, for the purposes of Dark Energy science in particular. Testing transient classification software under various assumptions for training samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | Simulations of the LSST data, planning of survey strategies, software for classification of transients. Partners have also help review papers prior to submission to journals. |
Impact | Papers (non-refereed) that have resulted include: Enhancing LSST Science with Euclid Synergy (2019), a white paper by the Tri-Agency Working Group (TAG), P. Capak et al. The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) Science Requirements Document (2018), The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration; Mandelbaum, R. et al. Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Wide-Fast-Deep Survey (2018) Lochner M. et al Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Deep Drilling Fields and other Special Programs (2018), Scolnic, D. et al |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration |
Organisation | University of Clermont Auvergne |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Planning survey strategies for the future Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) surveys via simulations and calculations. Also developing follow-up strategies for LSST transients, for the purposes of Dark Energy science in particular. Testing transient classification software under various assumptions for training samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | Simulations of the LSST data, planning of survey strategies, software for classification of transients. Partners have also help review papers prior to submission to journals. |
Impact | Papers (non-refereed) that have resulted include: Enhancing LSST Science with Euclid Synergy (2019), a white paper by the Tri-Agency Working Group (TAG), P. Capak et al. The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) Science Requirements Document (2018), The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration; Mandelbaum, R. et al. Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Wide-Fast-Deep Survey (2018) Lochner M. et al Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Deep Drilling Fields and other Special Programs (2018), Scolnic, D. et al |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration |
Organisation | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Planning survey strategies for the future Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) surveys via simulations and calculations. Also developing follow-up strategies for LSST transients, for the purposes of Dark Energy science in particular. Testing transient classification software under various assumptions for training samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | Simulations of the LSST data, planning of survey strategies, software for classification of transients. Partners have also help review papers prior to submission to journals. |
Impact | Papers (non-refereed) that have resulted include: Enhancing LSST Science with Euclid Synergy (2019), a white paper by the Tri-Agency Working Group (TAG), P. Capak et al. The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) Science Requirements Document (2018), The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration; Mandelbaum, R. et al. Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Wide-Fast-Deep Survey (2018) Lochner M. et al Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Deep Drilling Fields and other Special Programs (2018), Scolnic, D. et al |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration |
Organisation | University of Toronto |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Planning survey strategies for the future Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) surveys via simulations and calculations. Also developing follow-up strategies for LSST transients, for the purposes of Dark Energy science in particular. Testing transient classification software under various assumptions for training samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | Simulations of the LSST data, planning of survey strategies, software for classification of transients. Partners have also help review papers prior to submission to journals. |
Impact | Papers (non-refereed) that have resulted include: Enhancing LSST Science with Euclid Synergy (2019), a white paper by the Tri-Agency Working Group (TAG), P. Capak et al. The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) Science Requirements Document (2018), The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration; Mandelbaum, R. et al. Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Wide-Fast-Deep Survey (2018) Lochner M. et al Optimizing the LSST Observing Strategy for Dark Energy Science: DESC Recommendations for the Deep Drilling Fields and other Special Programs (2018), Scolnic, D. et al |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | FST Annual Conference 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | A discussion of galaxy evolution followed by an online planetarium show |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | IoP Regional Talk 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was an Institute of Physics Regional (West Midlands) event, held at Keele University. The topic was Dark Energy and the use of distant supernovae to measure its effects on the expansion of the Universe. The talk was aimed at a general audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | LUniverse school public engagement events 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | ~10,000 people attended events using the LUniverse portable planetarium to explore space and astronomy. Groups involved include schools, public events (e.g. science festivals, community days), scouting and guiding groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/outreach/planetarium/ |
Description | LUniverse showcase (FST Winter conference 2019) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Planetarium showcased on-campus at a postgraduate conference (although most planetarium attendees were non-PG university members). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | LUniverse: Archbishop Hutton Primary School March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Bridstow Primary January 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Carnforth High School March 2021 |
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 | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Christchurch School March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Jan & Feb 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Clitheroe St James' Primary School March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Cockerham Primary School November 2020 |
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 | 30 students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | LUniverse: Crossley Fields Primary School April 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Cubs, Scouts & Brownie groups 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Children attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Cumbria Dark Skies Festival 2021 |
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 | Three planetarium shows presented as part of Cumbria Dark Skies Festival 2021. A wide range of audience members and positive feedback. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/cumbria-embraces-dark-skies |
Description | LUniverse: Grosvenor Park Primary July 2021 |
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 | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: London Fields Primary School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School May 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Our Lady's Catholic College January & February 2021 |
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 | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Polish Schools Program 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Queensmead Academy March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Sandringham Primary School January 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Skekton St Lukes Primary January 2021 |
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 | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: St Aidens School March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: St Bernadette's Primary November 2020 |
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 | 62 students attended an online planetarium show with an extensive Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | LUniverse: St Helens School March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: St John the Evangelist Primary School April 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: St Mary's School November 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | LUniverse: The Heys Primary May 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Trinity Academy March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: Trumacar Nursery & Community Primary School April 2021 |
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 | Students attended a planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | LUniverse: University of Cambridge Primary November 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | LUniverse: Watling Park School March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Students attended an online planetarium show with a Q&A afterwards. Feedback was extremely positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Manchester Lit and Phil Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was a talk to a joint audience of the Institute of Physics and the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society (with a history dating back to 1781). The event took place during the Covid-19 pandemic and has held online. The subject of the talk was the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe and the quest to understand the nature of Dark Energy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Online LUniverse press releases |
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 | Two press releases about the online LUniverse program -- one for schools and one about the weekly public shows during COVID lockdown |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/search/?collection=lancaster-meta&form=department&profile=lancaster... |
Description | Public LUniverse Show series Jan-June 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Free, weekly, live online planetarium shows during the 3rd national (English) COVID lockdown when most pupils were home schooling and continuing monthly thereafter. Each week had a different theme and over 1200 people from >40 countries registered to attend the seven events. Feedback was positive, with attendance from children aged 5 to adults over 80. We also had numerous requests for further events and as a result will be running a monthly series from April 2021. Similarly, following audience requests, we plan to make recordings of the events freely available soon. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm5Zzashz3KGGGzr16rJLcF0lBLW12JFy |
Description | School visit (Westgate) February 2020 |
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 | LUniverse planetarium and "space" activities presented to 3 classes of year 5 students. Event later featured on BBC Radio Lancashire. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Speaker in Physics World at the WOMAD Festival 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I gave a 45min talk on Supermassive Black Holes at the World of Music and Dance Festival (WOMAD) in Wiltshire in 2019 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://womad.co.uk/ |