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SPARK is a student-led society at Keele University dedicated to fostering a strong, supportive, and vibrant physics community. We work in collaboration with the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences (SCPS), the Institute of Physics (IOP), and UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS).
Throughout the academic year, we provide academic and social support to physics students at all levels. Our events include socials, hands-on lab sessions, revision workshops, student-vs-staff competitions, exciting excursions, and much more.
SPARK is also proud to have its own rocketry team, which competes annually in the UKSEDS National Rocketry Championship; showcasing our passion for space exploration and engineering.
World Space Week, Saturday, 4 October 2025
Step into our AR/VR rooms, and transport yourself beyond Earth...๐ช๐
Our interactive simulations include, standing on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo landings, walking the dusty plains of Mars, and even orbiting high above Earth aboard the International Space Station.ย
These experiences highlight the achievements of past missions while sparking imagination for future exploration.
We are offering both educational and awe-inspiring visual experiences.
Experiences curated for all ages.
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 10:00โ17:00
๐ Innovation Centre 7 (IC7), Keele University
World Space Week, Saturday, 4 October 2025
Talk โ Dr. Jacco van Loon (Keele Lecturer and Observatory Director)
Dr. van Loon will explain the possibility of life on another planet and how we try to find it; exoplanets, atmospheric compositions, potential samples, types of lifeforms, and other aspects of astrobiology will be discussed.
Ending with an open Q&A.
Suitable for all ages.ย
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 12:00โ13:00
๐ Innovation Centre 7 (IC7), Keele University
World Space Week, Saturday, 4 October 2025
Hands-on build and launch fundamentalsย
A friendly, step-by-step introduction to rocketry design and building.
Assemble a small model, run pre-flight checks, and discuss post-flight analysis and iterative improvement.ย
Covering rocket stability (CG/CP), thrust curves and motor classes, recovery systems, and safe launch procedures.ย ย
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 13:00โ15:00
๐ Innovation Centre 7 (IC7), Keele University
World Space Week, Saturday, 4 October 2025
Day tour & solar viewing at Keele Observatory
Guided tour of observatory instruments with safe solar viewing using the 15cm solar telescope, and a primer on tracking/focus.ย
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 13:00โ15:00
๐ Keele Observatory, Keele University
World Space Week, Saturday, 4 October 2025
Keynote Talk โ Jack Tyler, UK Civil Aviation Authority
This talk will demystify the UK regulatory landscape for high-power rocketry and placing objects in space.ย
Learn how airspace coordination works, hobbyists versus regulated activity, and how duties are split between the CAA and its partners.ย
The session outlines documentation, timelines, insurance requirements, practical compliance checklists, and launch site selection, including how to liaise with local authorities and landowners. Ending with an open Q&A.
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 15:00โ16:00
๐ Innovation Centre 7 (IC7), Keele University
World Space Week, Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Evening stargazing at Keele Observatoryย
After dark, we target the Moon and Saturn through the 151-year old 31cm Grubb refractor telescope.ย
Child-friendly activities will be run alongside the observing queue.ย
Observation is weather-dependent.
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 20:00โ22:00
๐ Keele Observatory, Keele Universityย
Welcome Week, Friday, 26 September 2025
First impressions are importantโฆ so why not absolutely destroy your lecturers at Mario Party or Mario Kart? ๐ฎ๐ฅ
Come to the ultimate Student vs Staff Super Mario Party and Mario Kart showdown and make your mark โ not with an essay, but with a well-timed banana peel and a brutal bonus star steal.
Thereโll be free food, drinks, and a once-in-a-semester chance to crush the academic egos grading your future. ๐๐ฅค๐
Come for the chaos. Stay for the snacks. Leave with bragging rights.
๐ค All Physics/Astrophysics students
๐ 14:00โ16:00
๐ CSL 0.104
Welcome Week, Thursday, 25 September 2025
Crack clues, explore campus, and win pizza. What's not to love? ๐ง ๐โฏ
Follow a trail of physics-themed riddles and brainteasers that will guide you through Keeleโs beautiful campus.ย
Whether you're here to win eternal glory, make new friends, or just avoid getting lost on your way to lectures, this is the perfect way to get to know Keele and kick off the semester with good vibes and geeky fun. ๐ค
The winning team will get TWO large Dominoโs pizzas of their choice! ๐๐
๐ค All Physics/Astrophysics students
๐ 14:00โ16:00
๐ CSL 0.103
Saturday, 29 March 2025
Observe the the partial solar eclipse (safely!) through Keele Observatory's various solar telescopes and the 151-year-old 12-inch Grubb refractor. ๐๐ญ
Forecast: โ
๐ค Public, Anyone
๐ 10:00โ12:00
๐ Keele Observatory
Monday, 24 March 2025
๐ค Students
๐ 13:00โ14:30
๐ Physics lab, Central Science Laboratories