MEMBER NEWS: Explore the night sky with Aberdeen Science Centre

January 19, 2023
MEMBER NEWS: Explore the night sky with Aberdeen Science Centre

Aberdeen Science Centre is teaming up with the Aberdeen Astronomical Society for a special evening of astronomy themed activities.

The sky at night event will offer the chance for visitors to experience Aberdeen Science Centre after dark and learn from Aberdeen’s very own astronomic experts.

Astronomers from the society will walk participants through how they became involved in the study of space, explaining what it takes to become a true stargazer.

The session will involve an interactive show designed to educate guests on the most powerful telescopes that have been used to observe the stars and planets beyond our own solar system.

The astronomers will also explore the night sky using data captured from the largest image of the universe currently available.

Visitors to the centre for this event are also encouraged to bring along any telescopes or binoculars they own to take part in a spot of stargazing in the garden area of the centre. This part of the session will be reliant on clear weather and skies on the night.

Aberdeen Science Centre’s sky at night event will be held on Friday, January 27 from 6-9pm.

This event is only available to adults over the age of 18 at a cost of £10 per person. Advance booking is not required.

Elaine Holland, head of operations at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We are over the moon to be hosting the Aberdeen Astronomical Society for what is set to be a great night of stargazing and astronomic activities for our visitors. With no pre-booking required for this event, we cannot wait to welcome the budding astronomers that turn up to our doors.

“With our busy everyday lives, we sometimes forget to appreciate the world around us, and what’s more beautiful than a starry night sky? If you are interested in exploring the universe that surrounds us and reaching for the stars, our evening session will be the perfect place to get started. We know our sky at night event will be out of this world!”

Recently awarded 5-star status by VisitScotland, Aberdeen Science Centre reopened to the public in November 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.

The centre’s exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and the dedicated area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are brought to life.

Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.

The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

Contact Us
“

AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
“

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
“

The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
“

Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
“

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise