Open Studies Astronomy bulletin

A few times a year I send out a wee email bulletin for people who come to some of our courses (let me know if you'd like to get these). The aim is to let them know - or remind them - of Glasgow University Open Studies Astronomy and Physics courses and day schools, and to highlight other interesting events in the Glasgow area. Here's the latest:

1. IMMINENT

   I've only just heard that the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is hosting a visit from the science writer Stuart Clark, TOMORROW, 10 May. Stuart Clark is an excellent writer on Astronomy and Physics topics ("The Sun Kings"; "The Sky's Dark Labyrinth"; regular pieces in the Guardian). You may also have seen him interviewed by Philomena Cunk on the subject of "time" on Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe - clearly a man who doesn't take himself too seriously. I haven't heard him speak but I've heard good things. See http://www.scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk/events/dr-stuart-clark-lecture-and-stargazing/

2. The Institute of Physics are now hosting a series of talks here in Glasgow, aimed at a very broad audience. The titles so far have been really interesting, to my eye, including both pure and applied topics. The next of these will be given on Thursday 15 May, 19.00 in the Kelvin Building here in the University, by Dr Stuart Reid from the University of the West of Scotland: "Giving stem cells a good nano-kicking". More details at http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/users/martin/ioplect/
3. Glasgow City of Science has a new website to showcase the city as a leading international destination for scientific discovery and innovation. Their words: "A diverse range of influential, partner organisations with local, national and international reach have come together through the Glasgow City of Science initiative to leverage our scientific potential as a major driver of sustainable economic development and to demonstrate the importance of communicating science as part of the region’s wider heritage and culture." So the City of Science project is about industry and companies, but also education and outreach. You'll find lots of interesting events on their Events page, and you might like to subscribe to their e-bulletin.
4. We ourselves have a couple of Astronomy events in the summer programme:

   Astronomy when the skies are bright, ideas and activities to stay involved with the wider universe even although it's difficult to see in Scotland in the summer. Douglas Cooper, Andrew Conway and myself; Saturday 24 May, 10.00 - 15.00

   Weighing the Earth on Schiehallion, Perthshire, recalling Nevil Maskelyne's fundamental experiment to determine the mass of the Earth, and taking a day to actually visit the mountain. With Andrew Conway, who in 2005 was involved in an attempt to repeat this experiment with modern equipment. Evening of 18 June and all day 21 June.