News
Monday 2 June 2008
Meteor anniversary observed at Nottingham Trent University
Astronomers at Nottingham Trent University are inviting people to join them for the 100 year anniversary of the largest meteorite impact on Earth since records began. To mark the occasion, a special event in Nottingham Trent University’s ‘Open Dome’ series will be held in the university’s high-spec observatory on the 30 June 2008 – 100 years to the day since the ‘Tunguska Event’ took place.
Hosted by astronomers and observatory staff based at the university’s Clifton campus, guests will learn how a large meteor struck a remote region of Siberia, releasing what is thought to have been the equivalent energy of 1000 Hiroshima bombs - a blast that could have easily destroyed a large metropolitan area such as London. Professor Emeritus Trevor Palmer, author of the book ‘Perilous Planet Earth’, will then speak on the topic of meteor collisions and their effects on our planet.
Other attractions include a home made meteor impact demonstration and information about how the impact craters on the Earth, Moon and Mars can be explored from the comfort of home. There will also be an opportunity to observe the Sun in different wavelengths of light using the observatory’s telescopes.
Dr Daniel Brown, astronomy outreach development officer from the School of Science and Technology, said: “The Open Dome series has been very popular. We’re hoping that the anniversary of such a rare and impressive meteor collision will encourage even more people to come along and learn about the field of astronomy and our work here at the observatory.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
The Observatory at Clifton campus was built in 2006. Facilities include a control room and a 5m diameter dome building equipped with a computer controlled 20-inch modified Newtonian telescope and a 50mm solar scope.
The Open Dome series hosts events on a monthly basis, providing an opportunity for people to visit and witness the work that takes place at the university’s observatory and learn more about the field of astronomy.
Anybody wishing to attend or find out more about the Tunguska Event anniversary on the 30 June at Clifton campus should contact Dr Daniel Brown.
Please note - spaces are limited, and reservations will be taken on a first come first served basis.
Press enquiries please contact: Matt Wallace, Press Officer, on Tel: 0115 848 8785; or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 8774.
