Uncategorized

Charlotte Church’s chaotic experience

Dr Edward Gomez and Charlotte Church standing next to the scale model of the Herschel Space Observatory (whose SPIRE instrument was led by Head of School Professor Matt Griffin).

Dr Edward Gomez and Charlotte Church standing next to the scale model of the Herschel Space Observatory (whose SPIRE instrument was led by Head of School Professor Matt Griffin).

Dr Edward Gomez welcomed singer and television personality Charlotte Church to the School of Physics and Astronomy this afternoon to talk science for her upcoming new album.

Edward and Charlotte chatted about chaos theory including Edward’s work on asteroids.   Many asteroids exhibit chaotic orbits or are hurtling into the inner Solar System because of chaotic effects and this was demonstrated to Charlotte using a double pendulum and some plasticine.“It was great to chat to some-one who was clearly so enthusiastic about science.” said Edward, “Charlotte was down-to-Earth and really interested in learning more about physics and astronomy.  It’s not everyday you have a celebrity asking tricky questions about quantum entanglement!”

The School of Physics and Astronomy wish Charlotte well for the new album, and look forward to welcoming her back for more physics discussions.