Outreach

The Solar Physics Group enjoys talking to anybody and everybody about the Sun! We are currently involved in a number of different public engagement projects, focusing on inspiring interest in science through art. We also enjoy giving presentations, talks and demonstrations about the Sun, astrophysics and science, working closely with NUSTEM (formerly Think Physics) to deliver an engaging and age-appropriate (i.e. linking closely with Key Stage objectives) science extravaganza.


If you would like one of the Solar Physics Group to come talk to you at your school, society, or event, then please contact one of us.




Imagining the Sun

'Imagining the Sun' is an outreach programme as part of Think Solar Physics, in collaboration with Think Physics, Helen Schell (visual artist), and Katrina Porteus (poet), that aims to build science capital through the linking of art and science and encourage the uptake of physics at A-levels and beyond. This is supported by an STFC Small Awards grant (ST/N005562/1).

To date, we have visited a number of primary and secondary schools, giving presentations on the Sun and running art sessions.

Funder - Science & Technologies Facilities Council

Solar inspired art from the 'Imagining the Sun' at Excelsior Academy (Newcastle) including a magnificent solar dress.




Solar

The Solar Physics Group worked with Helen Schell to create 'Solar', an artwork inspired by the layers of the Sun. The installation has been displayed at the Big Bang North East at Northumbria University, and is currently looking for a new home.


Helen is a ESERO-UK Space Ambassador (ESA Education) & STEM Ambassador, and has worked on a number of space-inspired art projects. She has worked with the Solar Physics Group for the last few years and also works with Dr Helen Mason from Cambridge on Sun-inspired art outreach.

Dr Shaun Bloomfield is the project scientist for the EU-funded FLARECAST project, which aims to develop a fully automated solar flare forecasting system. As part of the grant, the FLARECAST team has a dedicated outreach team that aims to increase the publics understanding of Space Weather and its impact upon the Earth. See the FLARECAST webpage for further details.

Funder - EU Horizon 2020


FLARECAST

Recent Public talks

  • Imagining the Sun @ Words by the Water, Keswick - 4th March 2017 - R. Morton
  • 'Twisters on the Sun' @ British Science Association Newcastle - 23 September 2016 - E. Scullion
  • 'Twisters on the Sun' @ Pint of Science Newcastle - 25 May 2016 - E. Scullion
  • 'Blowing' in the (solar) wind' @ Pint of Science Newcastle - 25 May 2016 - R. Morton
  • 'Diminishing Solar Activity' @ Newcastle Astronomical Society 24 October 2015 - V. Zharkova