NTU Physics - Easter field trip photography competition

The Department of Physics wanted to recognize the student's tenacity and resilience through what has been a difficult few years in learning and extraordinary situations with the Covid-19 Pandemic this year.

Dr Ian Whittaker led the bid for the School of Science and Technology funding to take students on a funded field trip in the Easter break.

Dr Kyle Baldwin and Dr Ian Whittaker led a group of 52 physics students on a trip to Davagh Forest in Northern Ireland. Davagh Forest is the home of a range of astronomically important standing stones and an official Dark Sky site. A Dark Sky site is an area where the background light caused by cities and traffic is low enough for superb stargazing. The important standing stones are ancient stone circles of astrophysical significance and provides a beautiful woodland for exploring.

The trip also received additional funding which meant an external environmental expert could join the excursion. It was fascinating to get such a wealth of knowledge about the area and our expert had bat identification expertise too.

The trip lasted four days and involved plenty of outdoor activities as well as observing opportunities. We held a photography competition on the trip and had 195 images submitted by our students to our four chosen categories:

* Nature

* Night-time

* Students

* Wildcard

Dr Ian Whittaker shortlisted the entries and the judging panel consisted of three members of staff. The winners can be seen below:

Nature winner - Grace Frost

Night-time winner - Charlie Watson

Students’ winner - Ryan Fanning

Wildcard winner - Lizzie Stapleton TikTok Video

Find out more about our Physics courses at NTU