Next week, colleagues from RAL Space will head to London for the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition.
Running from 1 to 6 July, this annual exhibition is a free, week-long celebration of cutting-edge UK science. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the latest scientific research and meet the people who make it possible.
Among the thirteen flagship exhibits this year is “Unveiling the Universe: Exploring the Cosmos with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)”. This exhibit will introduce visitors to the world of radio astronomy and the vast volumes of data the SKAO will generate. Through interactive displays, virtual reality experiences and hands-on activities, visitors will gain insight into the science behind the SKAO and the UK’s role in this global astronomy project. Scientists, engineers, and astronomers will also be on hand throughout the week to answer questions and share their expertise.
RAL Space is developing this exhibit in collaboration with the SKAO, STFC’s UK Astronomy Technology Centre, and partner universities.
Dr Chris Pearson, Astrophysics Programme Lead at RAL Space, said: “We’re very excited to be part of a project as huge and ambitious as the Square Kilometre Array. At RAL Space, we’re supporting software development at the heart of the system that will process enormous amounts of data coming from what will be the world’s largest telescope. We’re honoured to have been chosen to share this work with the public at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition, illustrating how the UK is helping to shape the future of astronomy.”
Amongst plenty of other SKAO activities, visitors will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with elements of the telescopes: admire a full-size SKA low-frequency antenna and leave your mark on an SKA-Mid dish panel which serves as a unique “Cosmic Guestbook”. Credit: SKAO
RAL Space is also supporting a second exhibit, led by the National Quantum Computing Centre. “The Quantum Zone” will showcase a wide range of exciting research and innovation in quantum technologies, including SPEQTRE and SPOQC – two small satellite missions aiming to demonstrate a super secure form of communication from space.
Cosmologist Carlos Frenk, Fellow of the Royal Society and Chair of the Public Engagement Committee, said: “Science is vital in helping us understand the world we live in – its past, present and future. For over three decades, the Summer Science Exhibition has showcased extraordinary scientific achievements from across the UK and given visitors unparalleled access to the researchers behind these breakthroughs.
“From awe-inspiring images of our universe being captured by what’s soon to be the world’s largest radio telescope, to innovative new technologies helping to reduce plastic waste, there will be something new for every visitor of any age to discover. Come and be inspired by this unique exhibition, meet and question the exhibitors themselves.''
The exhibition opens on Tuesday 1 July with a schools-only programme during the day, followed by a special adults-only Summer Science Lates event from 6pm. Doors open to the wider public from Wednesday 2 July at 10am.
The event takes place at 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG.
