Miscellaneous

WHAT should we blog about just now? There are things to be said about our present situation, about Glasgow University, adult education, etc., but this probably isn't the place to say them. Well, not yet anyway.

So instead let's first note a couple of interesting developments in the sort of science that's my own business. First of all, April's Cafe Scientifique will feature my colleague Martin Hendry, a regular contributor to DACE Astronomy courses, and a man putting even more of his effort into science outreach at the moment, as a STFC Science and Society Fellow - turn up, get yourself a drink and enjoy the chat.

Also I just learned of a new, interesting-sounding venture, the Galilean Society. Free, monthly talks will be offered on science subjects and each speaker will be asked to "include a description of the scientific methods as they see it"; process as well as findings, a philosophy we'd certainly agree with. Professor David Saxon, who was Head of the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy in Glasgow, will be the first speaker on 19 March.

Want to delve further into such topics, in a context where you can hear what academics believe and also ask them why? You know where to come!

Like the rest of the world I've been horrified by the consequences of the huge earthquake in Japan. I'm also horrified by this disgraceful article in the Daily Mail. It's discussed in more detail in the Bad Astronomy blog.