Pythagorean Astronomy: Asteroid tagging and Stellar Spaghettification

Posted on 29 October 2020 by Chris North

Chris North and Edward Gomez give a round-up of the month in astronomy. Towards the end of October, NASA’s Osiris Rex spacecraft grabbed a sample from the asteroid Bennu. What happens next, and what might we learn from these samples? Chris and Edward discuss. There’s also an update on Betelgeuse (however you chose to pronounce
Read more

Online teacher CPD sessions

Posted on 26 October 2020 by Grace Mullally

Are you looking to bring more cutting edge research into your classroom? Our teacher CPD sessions, which were recorded at the IOP Welsh Physics Teachers Conference earlier this year, should help you do just that.
Read more

Is there life on Venus?

Posted on 30 September 2020 by Grace Mullally

People across the world have been excited by the recent discovery of the molecule phosphine (PH3) in the atmosphere of Venus – the finding of an international collaboration of researchers lead by Cardiff University’s Professor Jane Greaves. With no known explanations for where the molecules came from, the two explanations left are some unknown chemistry
Read more

Pythagorean Astronomy: It’s (Almost) Never Aliens

Posted on 14 September 2020 by Chris North

This is a special episode – released a couple of weeks earlier than normal – that’s because we’ve got a very special story to talk about this time. A team of astronomers has detected hints that indicate the possibility that there may be life in the clouds of Venus. Despite the maybes and possibilities, this
Read more

Pythagorean Astronomy: Black holes – too big and too small

Posted on 3 September 2020 by Chris North

If there’s anything that pricks up the ears in astronomy, it’s black holes. And this month we have not one, but two black hole stories. And, depending on how you count them, four black holes, though two of them no longer exist – if that sounds confusing, then don’t worry, it’ll become clear! Regular listeners
Read more

Pythagorean Astronomy: Solar Obiter – Not Suitable for Vegetarians

Posted on 30 July 2020 by Chris North

In astronomy, the month of July has been the month of two things: comets, and Mars. Comet Neowise, or to give it it’s full title C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, has graced the skies of the northern hemispheres, becoming the first naked eye comet for some time. Some have even argued it’s the best comet for decades.
Read more

Presenting 101 – The Presenter Network Online Workshop

Posted on 22 July 2020 by Sarah Roberts

What’s On? Title: Presenting 101: An introduction to presenting and the network Location: Zoom Date and time: 3-5pm, 12 August 2020 Cost: Free Book Your Place We’ve very excited to announce the Presenter Network has a new hub in South Wales run from the Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft,
Read more

Join Our Online Summer Schools!

Posted on 9 July 2020 by Grace Mullally

For the fourth year, Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy are running a summer school for AS level students interested in studying Physics at University. This year, the summer school will run from Monday 10th August to Friday 28th August 2020. We are excited to announce that the summer school will take place online
Read more

Pythagorean Astronomy: Mass Gaps and Radio Bursts

Posted on 2 July 2020 by Chris North

Science news stories normally revolve around something new that’s been learned, or some question that’s been answered. But sometimes, and these are often the most interesting times, there’s an observation or discovery that raises a whole new set of questions – and the mystery deepens. This month we discuss two such discoveries. First of all,
Read more

Pythagorean Astronomy: SmallSpark

Posted on 5 June 2020 by Chris North

Amid the turmoil of not only coronavirus, but also anti-racism protests across the US and now internationally, it’s been a notable month for spaceflight. At the end of May, SpaceX launched their first crewed Dragon capsule, which became the first private vehicle to dock with the International Space Station. But the private space sector is
Read more