Hatfield Cafe Scientifique starts tonight!

I'm very excited because today we're launching the first University of Hertfordshire Cafe Scientifique here in Hatfield! Cafe Scientifique provides an opportunity for people to gather and discuss science while having a coffee, a pint or a glass of wine. Since it was formed in 1998 almost 50 separate Cafe Scientifiques have been set up in towns and cities across the UK, and today we start the first such gathering at the Red Lion pub in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Cafe Scientifique in action - discussing science!
(Credit: Cafe Scientifique)

We chose to start this venture because we (a mixed group of scientists from the University of Hertfordshire) wanted to find a way to discuss our scientific ideas and research with the general public in a venue different from the lecture halls and school rooms in which we often communicate such ideas. Furthermore since there wasn't yet such an initiative in either Hatfield or the neighbouring town of St Albans, we thought it was about time there was one!

So tonight we kick off a monthly series of talks and discussions about various scientific topics. Tonight, Dr Keith Davis will be talking about Art vs Science and how our perceptions of the two cultures have changed in the 50 years since C.P. Snow's seminar lecture. The event will start at about 7pm and is completely free (though I'm sure the pub would appreciate it if you had a drink or a bite to eat while you're there). If you're in the area feel free to come along, I hope to see you there!

Inflatable Solar System

It's been an exciting week because this week I received a package in the post containing a new inflatable Solar System!

I've actually never owned an inflatable Solar System before, but this will be replacing a rather flimsy cardboard Solar System I used to own (yes, you can have a 'cardboard' Solar System!). I have to say that this inflatable one is much better than my previous home-made Solar System, and will probably be much more durable too.

I bought this because I've recently been visiting some schools in my local area to give talks and I needed this model Solar System for one of the activities I do with the school children.

I use this activity to break up the talk and provide some interaction between me and the children. We talk about the different planets and their properties, and then I get some volunteers to come up and pretend to be the Solar System.

Visiting local schools and giving talks to school children is something I love doing because it gives me an opportunity to share my love of astronomy and astrophysics with people. Most people love to hear about science, in particular astronomy, so it can be a really enjoyable experience.

Plus, communicating astronomy with school children encourages them to take up scientific subjects in school and pursue them in college, and a scientifically literate workforce is good for everyone.