Physics and Astronomy
The magic of Christmas – let’s get physics-al
Santa is real… but he does have to obey the laws of physics. That’s according to Dr Rob Appleby, lecturer in high energy particle physics at The University of Manchester.
How X Files studies give students the X Factor
How long will it take to find a job after graduating university – and are we alone in the universe? Two huge questions that no doubt every student asks – and we may have the answers! The University College for Interdisciplinary Learning (UCIL) is offering undergraduates the chance to learn different skills and disciplines to […]
Like a diamond in the sky
‘Twinkle twinkle little star’ could prove itself more science lesson than nursery rhyme thanks to a new discovery. For the first time, diamonds far smaller than grains of sand have been observed shimmering around stars. But this discovery is more a case of A Touch of Frost than Frost of London, as it’s allowed a […]
Ain’t no sunshine when it’s gone
The sun is the great star of human existence in more ways than one. All life on Earth depends on it, and the creation of our very planet would have been impossible without it. You would think, therefore, that when it dies, our iconic star would go out in style. However, until recently, scientists were […]
Inspiring the future women of STEM
Science and engineering is all about coming up with solutions to the great mysteries and challenges of our age. But one of these challenges is proving hard to overcome, and that’s how to encourage more girls to choose a career in these subjects. When children are very young and first begin learning about the world […]
Expert comment – Finding SuperNEMO and solving the mystery of the origin of matter in the universe
The Savoy region of France is best known for its fir-lined ski slopes and picturesque Alpine villages. Less known is the fact that, deep beneath some of these slopes, scientists are investigating one of the greatest mysteries in physics: the origin of matter. The Fréjus road tunnel in the region carries traffic between the French […]
Godlee Observatory – Sackville Street’s best-kept secret
At the top of Sackville Street Building is a little secret – and it’s something all of us in Manchester have a share in. Next time you walk by, look up. You might just spot the white dome that is home to the Godlee Observatory. This tiny window to the stars has been at the […]
Ada Lovelace – the original woman of STEMM
The School of Physics is the proud holder of an Athena Swan Silver Award. This award recognises the advancement of gender equality in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, research and education. Nationwide, just 20% of students studying Physics at degree level are female. At The University of Manchester, this figure is higher […]
100 years on, marking Rutherford’s breakthroughs
Did you know that Manchester is the birthplace of modern nuclear physics? It was created right here by Ernest Rutherford and his colleagues, and this year marks a century since Rutherford initiated the first artificial nuclear reaction. And that wasn’t the end of the team’s breakthroughs. Between 1914 and 1919, Rutherford led many experiments in […]
Meet The University of Manchester’s famous alumni
If you’ve started a degree in science or engineering here at The University of Manchester this week, you’ve made a good choice – and you’ll be following in some very distinguished footsteps. You see, Manchester has been at the centre of the European scientific community for centuries. It was in this city that John Dalton […]