Book tickets
Space has always been a mysterious region to scientists. From the first man on the moon in 1969 till now, ongoing research and discoveries of the universe have advanced in a spectacular way. To allow space exploration, many preparations have been made prior to the visit, for example, materials of the aircraft and space suit. Of course, there is also the controversial topic – extra-terrestrial life.
Lighter, hotter, faster: From Atoms to Aeroplanes
Professor Philip Whithers (Regius Professor of Materials )
The scope of what we can achieve has always been defined by the materials we have to hand from the stone age to the emerging carbon age. Tiny microscopic particles can be manipulated to have such great effects on a whole sheet of material. Join us to examine the design of new materials for today’s demanding environments, and see how materials such as graphene containing composites have revolutionised both manufacturing methods and parts alike.
Searching for Life in the Universe
Professor Michael Garrett (Professor of Astrophysics)
Professor Garrett is a radio astronomer, professor of astrophysics at the University of Manchester, and Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, which includes overall responsibility for the Observatory at Jodrell Bank. One of his main research interests is SETI (the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).
Finding Earth-2: what do we know about planets outside our Solar System?
Dr Eamonn Kerins (“Lecturer in The School of Physics and Astronomy”)
Dr Kerins works on discovery and characterisation of exoplanets – planets around other stars. Developments in technology mean we can tell whether they have a solid surface, how strong gravity is what their atmosphere is like; all from planets we cannot even see in most cases. Over the next decade we might identify thousands more exoplanets and potentially find close analogues of our own Earth. And after a few pints we should be ready to discuss how Einstein’s Theory of Relativity might allow us to travel to some of these planets within a single human lifetime.