Astronomy

Pythagorean Astronomy: Cassini’s Grand Finale

Posted on 31 May 2017 by Chris North

This month we don’t just look back at a few news stories, but also ahead to what’s happening over the coming months for one of the most successful space missions ever: Cassini. Having orbited Saturn for 13 years, Cassini’s fuel is running out and the mission has embarked on a “Grand Finale” before its final
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Herschel on the Jodcast

Posted on 26 May 2017 by Chris North

Dr. Elisabetta Valiante from The School of Physics and Astronomy has been interviewed for the “May Extra” episode of the Jodcast – a long-running astronomy podcast produced by staff and students at Jodrell Bank. You can listen to the whole episode, or just Elisabetta’s interview. During the interview, Elisabetta explains what questions astronomers are trying to answer with the Herschel
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Cardiff Physics AS Level Summer Programme 2017

Posted on 12 May 2017 by Brychan Govier

Please note that this page refers to the 2017 Summer School. Please come back later for information on the 2018 Summer School We will host a 3 day non-residential workshop for AS level students interested in continuing on to Physics degrees. Taking place in Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy the workshops will run 26-28
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Pythagorean Astronomy: TRAPPIST-1 and other stories

Posted on 27 March 2017 by Chris North

At the end of last month, there was a lot of interest in the discovery of seven roughly Earth-sized planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. One month on, Chris North and Edward Gomez discuss the implications of this discovery. We also get an update from the Amaury Triaud, of the University of Cambridge, about TRAPPIST and its successor, SPECULOOS.
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Martin Rees: the World in 2050

Posted on 20 March 2017 by Chris North

Leading astrophysicist Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and a senior figure in UK science, will look ahead to 2050 in a public lecture at Cardiff University on 6th April. This event is sponsored by the Learned Society of Wales and forms part of the Annual University/LSW Partnership Lecture series. It will be followed by a reception
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Pythagorean Astronomy: Backyard Worlds

Posted on 28 February 2017 by Chris North

February saw the first launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Rocket from Launchpad 39A – the same launchpad used by the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle. In this month’s Pythagorean Astronomy, Edward Gomez and Chris North discuss these impressive structures along with the study of a supernova (the explosive death of a massive star) just hours
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Welsh Teachers Reach for the Stars

Posted on 22 February 2017 by Sarah Roberts

The largest teacher-training event ever run by the School of Physics and Astronomy was held on Friday 3rd February with 30 welsh teachers receiving new activities, interactive resources and digital technologies for the classroom. A second event took place at the Centre for Alternative Technology on Thursday 9th February, inviting educators from schools in North,
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Calling All Science Teachers!

Posted on 21 February 2017 by Matthew Fleet

Fancy some new GCSE physics and astronomy learning materials on the topic of redshift? I am a third year physics undergraduate, doing my independent research project on the teaching of physics and astronomy at GCSE level. The designing of learning materials has lead me to investigate the impacts of the exam board systems in England
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