Mysterious creatures in the Loch, the science of learning and libel reform.. it's a mixed bunch of events this week for science events in Scotland!

Free summer science fun in Aberdeen (and beyond) for adults, families and children. There are walks, talks, drop-in sessions taking place. The messy play sounds like awesome fun.

Seen any other interesting scienc-y events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the right of the screen! 

The Winter Gardens at Duthie Park (Great if the weather is bad!)

·        Tues 15th Café Scientifique 7pm Waterstones INVERNESS, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

Cryptozoology: Science, Pseudoscience or Something Else? A relaxed talk and Q&A with Dr Charles Paxton, Research Fellow, School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of St Andrews. This discussion will explore the status of cryptozoology and ask whether the hunt for mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster is worthwhile.

·        Wed 16th Café Scientifique 7pm Waterstones Union Bridge ABERDEEN, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

The Importance of Character Strengths for Learning and Success. Enjoy some science with a coffee. Speaker Nicola Gibson will discuss why your intellect is not the only thing crucial for successful learning - find out more about the other factors involved. Your personality and the way you navigate your social environment may be just as important. 

·        Thurs 17th - Bringing Libel Reform to Scotland (EDINBURGH) 

The Defamation Act 2013 must be extended to Scotland. Can you join us in Edinburgh on Thursday 17th July at 5 pm?

We are bringing together lawyers, journalists, bloggers, academics, authors and members of civil society who would ike to be involved in a campaign to bring libel reform to Scotland. We want to gather examples of the libel 'chill' where journalists, consumer groups or scientists in Scotland have been discouraged from publishing on matters in the public interest. We would love to see as many of you as possible there.

It’s at the Saltire Society at 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TF at 5.00 pm on Thursday 17th July. Please RVSP to cpeters@senseaboutscience.org

FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

·        EVERY DAY - Satrosphere Science Centre (££) SCIENCE IN A SPORTS KIT

Satrosphere are celebrating all things sport this summer, taking a deeper look at the science behind sport, competition, and physical activity in our Summer of Sport Science, featuring Science in a Sport’s Kit!

Our summer programming includes brand new, on-the-floor activities and challenges testing balance, endurance, speed, strength, reaction, coordination and rhythm. A new quiz and workshops have been developed exploring a range of science and sport topics. (Great coffee shop too!) 

·        WED 16th Wild Dolphin Activity Day 14:30 - 17:00 Bridge of Don Library (DROP IN)

In partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), Aberdeen City Libraries will be holding free children’s events. The activities for children of all ages will take place in libraries participating in the Wild Dolphins School Dolphin Trail and will offer an opportunity for children to hold real dolphin skulls and bones, take part in colouring in activities and find out more about dolphins from a WDC volunteer. 

·        FRI 18th - LET'S GET MESSY - Play 1.30-3.30 Union Terrace Gardens No need to book

Join Aberdeen Play Forum's Play Rangers for extra messy play in Union Terrace Gardens.
Children will be able to play in a muddy puddle, mix up their own 'magic' potions and have fun in the 'Mud Pie' kitchen. You will get wet and messy! Please wear old clothing/waterproofs. Suitable for children of all ages.

·        SAT 19th - Day Tripper Family Fun event 10:30-12:30 Aberdeen Maritime Museum (DROP IN)

Join our Victorian tour guide for an enchanting storytelling tour of the Royal Deeside exhibition. Then make you own personalised luggage tag ready for your own summer adventure. Story tours will be held at 10:40am, 11:20am and 12pm. Sign-up on the day. All activities are free and drop-in. They are aimed at families with primary school aged children, but everyone is welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

·        SUN 20th - Duthie Park Ranger Service Environment Day - 12:00- 4.00 Old Bowling Green Duthie Park

Join the Duthie Park Rangers and Special Guests for an afternoon of fabulous family fun!

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! There are organised walks taking place around Aberdeen all summer. There is a small cost for them but you might find something new! 

Tune in to Shmu FM  at 2-3 on a Tuesday  (or listen again online) to hear the new TALKING SCIENCE Radio show and hear about the latest science in Aberdeen along with news, competitions and science you can try at home! 

Seen any other interesting scienc-y events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the right of the screen! 

Free COOL stuff in Aberdeen this week 16-22 June!

Looking for something new and FREE to do this week in Aberdeen .. there's LOADS on so there are no excuses for being bored!  

Monday 16th June - Cafe Philosophique 'Is Equality Good for Us?  The Blue Lamp 7pm, FREE just turn up! 

A short, informal talk and open discussion about philosophy! A great bunch of folk go along to this event. It's really chilled out and this talk should be really interesting! The talk will be delivered by Dr Beth Lord from the University of Aberdeen. Don't forget to get your free ticket for the finale of this season of Cafe Phi from the Belmont Filmhouse (27 June) for the 'Where does Scott Pilgrim Live?' with Professor Roy Cook all the way from the University of Minnesota! 

Tuesday 17th June - Shmu FM The very first 'Talking Science' Radio show! 2-3pm

Tune in for the very first in the series of Talking Science. A brand new Shmu radio show... brought to you by the Public Engagement with Research team at the University of Aberdeen (that includes me... :-/ ). I will be super impressed if anyone guesses the 'sound of science' challenge!!!  

Wednesday 18 June - Cafe Scientifique ' Danger High Voltage'  Tesla's Contribution to Society (FEATURING A TESLA COIL DEMO!) 7pm Waterstones FREE 

An informal short talk (30mins ish) with a live demo followed by a Q&A. Dr Ken Skeldon will be delivering this event (he's done science shows around the globe!) Plenty of people come on their own to these events so don't feel uncomfortable about just turning up. Coffee and cake available to buy from the Costa cafe.

At the weekend.. 

Why not take part in a 'Civic Hacking' event and help improve the city of Aberdeen? (FREE but registration required) 

Saturday 21 June - Meet the Scientist event during MND Awareness Week 

Meet and hear from researchers looking at Motor Neurone Disease. They will be in Satrosphere all afternoon delivering talks and sharing their work! (there is a small charge for the entrance fee to Satrosphere but it's TOTALLY worth it and their cafe is ACE). 

Visit the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens (that are looking beautiful at the moment) or Duthie Park (yes, all FREE)! 

See the Gray's School of Art Degree Show? (not science, but plenty of awesome design to be seen there!) Open 10-5 on Saturday and Sunday

Exhibitions..

Satrosphere Science Centre have loads of events and exhibitions going on throughout the week and weekend including their 'minibeast little scientist days', the 'grey matters' family show and the 'we are aliens' planetarium show! Some charges do apply and check here for full details.

Seventeen (Belmont street) 'Breathless Breastless' A breast cancer awareness art exhibition (10 -5 every day, 10-4 Sunday)

Kings Museum, Old Aberdeen, Exploring the concept of time 'Victorian Time: Spirit of the Age' (10-4 Monday -Friday, 11-4 Saturday) 

Seen any others that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Subscribe to updates by putting your email address in the box in the top right of the page! 

COMPLETELY FREE stuff to do in Aberdeen this Week! (April 18th - 25th)

• Tues 22^nd Café Controversial  7pm Satrosphere Science Centre, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

GM crops: Raking up the facts  with Professor Howard Davies James Hutton Institute. Come and discuss the science behind the GM crop headlines. Always plenty of opportunity to ask questions at these events (and this should be a great debate!)

• 23rd April - Lunchtime talk! 30 YEARS OF ABERDEEN MARITIME MUSEUM 

John Edwards 12.30-1pm  Booking essential call 01224 337714 

• Wed 23^rd Café Scientifique 7pm Waterstones Union Bridge, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK

Seeing into old age – Dr Karin Pilz School of Psychology University of Aberdeen – vision often worsens with age but is it the eyes always to blame? Come and discuss the role of the brain in vision-related changes during healthy aging. 

• Thurs 24th - Skeptics in the Pub  - Aberdeen's Witchcraft Trials - 7.30 pm - Cellar 35 

Aberdeen had witches?! Whaaat! And witchcraft trials??! Whaat! This talk is free (in a cellar), there's no need to book - just turn up and there will be  drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic available to purchase. 

• (NOT FREE) Thurs 24th - VIKINGS LIVE! From the British Museum - 7.00 pm - Cineworld Aberdeen

An exclusive, expertly guided tour of the British Museum's new blockbuster Vikings exhibition. Featuring BIG SHIPS and insight into how these great warriors shaped our modern lives. Also featuring Professor Neil Price from the University of Aberdeen. 

• Thurs 24th - LECTURE - Universal Access to New Essential Medicines - 7pm - Kings Conference Centre, Old Aberdeen. 

The Inaugural Jim Petrie Lecture, delivered by Professor Hans Hogerzeil. Organised by the Medico-Chirurgical Society. Free but you can book places by email or phone 01224 437104.

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! 

And if you don't even want to leave your house you can check out virtual exhibitions in Aberdeen too! 

The George Shepherd Pharmaceutical Collection consists of a virtually complete Victorian pharmacy interior and business archive unique in the UK (the LEECHES jar looks very similar to lots of the storage tins in John Lewis...) . The collection was donated to Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums by George Shepherd, one of the last directors of the successful Aberdeen pharmacy business Davidson & Kay. You can view all the images online! 

Booking for the May Festival 2014 is now open. Get tickets now for things like BRIGHT CLUB 2014 (where researchers do comedy) and check out all the MAY-HEM events coming up! 

Seen any other interesting events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the right of the screen! 

Things to do in Aberdeen at the beginning of April

Looking for something new in Aberdeen this April?... Here's a round up of exciting goings on that you might want to check out... 

Friday 4th April - Engineering in the Ancient World: Building the Parthenon 

New Kings 10 7.30 pm- Free Tickets here

A FREE (whoop) talk about engineering in history on a Friday night. No prior knowledge of subjects required. 

7th -11th April - Easter Science Club 

Satrosphere Science Centre

Various workshops, fun and games with science for kids of all ages. More info here.

Saturday 12th April - The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets with author Simon Singh 

Cineworld at the beach, 4pm. Small charge for this event - tickets ESSENTIAL!!

A talk followed by a Q&A. Suitable for adults and teenagers. Book signing will be taking place after the event in the Cineworld bar. Event organised by Aberdeen Skeptics in the Pub and British Science Association Branch in Aberdeen. 

Not interested in a talk? Why not visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens or Duthie Park (all COMPLETELY FREE)! 

Seen any other interesting events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!

Interested in keeping up to date? Subscribe to this blog here by entering your email in the box on the right of the screen! 

Astronomy in Aberdeen - Celebrating Sir David Gill

If you escape the bright city lights of Aberdeen on a clear evening and look up you might get treated to an astronomical display of stars and meteor showers. If you are really lucky, then you might get a glimpse of the northern lights.

The relatively dry climate of North East Scotland gives us plenty of clear nights for prime stargazing and it's a great, free alternative to a night round the tellybox. Before the days of the T.V., when there wasn't much else to do once the sun went down, a local mathematician and astronomer, Sir David Gill, took the very first photograph of the moon in 1868.

If, like me, you are an interested (extremely) amateur astronomer without a telescope or space rocket and prefer the temperature to be above 20 degrees then you are in luck. The toasty warm Aberdeen Maritime Museum has just opened a free exhibition all about Aberdeen's most famous astronomer and there are a series of free evening talks about local stargazing, the history of time and the life of Sir David Gill. You can even pick up a stargazing live calendar!


Image taken by Nick Bramhall a Aberdeen based hiker, photographer, stargazer and blogger who also writes about astronomy.

Gill is credited with taking that VERY FIRST photograph of the moon in 1868 but that was by no means his only contribution to our knowledge of space. Gill took accurate measurements of the stars and determined the distance of the sun from earth using the parallax of the planet Mars (see more on how that works here).

Gill was the son of a clockmaker and the free exhibition is well worth a visit to see some impressive telescopes, grandfather clocks and the heliometer he used from the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Museums and Royal Astronomical society collections. The exhibition also details information about Gill's life in Aberdeen and the history of timekeeping.

It is also believed that Gill took the very first photograph of the Great Comet of 1882, although that wasn't taken in Aberdeen, it was taken when Gill was Her Majesty's Astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Cape Town, South Africa.

One big realisation for me was that Greenwich mean time was only officially rolled out in 1884. Before that people in Aberdeen could have been eating their breakfast while London was having lunch and no-one knew when you were supposed to catch a train. Although I do quite like the idea of just setting my own time. That could come in very useful.

Gill was taught by James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish mathematical physicist in Aberdeen who's own contributions to physics ranked alongside Sir Issac Newton and Einstein. He also took the first permanent colour photograph in 1861 (which is of a tartan ribbon, see below).

Aberdeen researchers still contribute to our understanding of space today, just last month provided theories about whether life can exist on other planets in our solar system.

If you are interested in more astronomy in Aberdeen then check out the Aberdeen Astronomical Society events page who are very active in the local area and tweet out information on what is visible in the local night sky.

I'm heading back out into the cold now with my woolly hat, jumper and a flask of tea now to stare at the stars!

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum location
  Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm
  Sunday 12pm-3pm
  Closed Monday
  Tel (01224) 337714
  Admission free