Space

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 […]

Life on Mars? Graphene could make it a reality
As if they weren’t content with desalinating seawater, filtering the colour from whisky and creating a new rubber for running shoes, graphene scientists have now used the 2D advanced material to mimic photosynthesis – and the potential of this breakthrough could be interstellar. Researchers led by Professor Sir Andre Geim (yes, the very same man […]

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 […]

The first UoM students in space?
Tim Gregory and Tessa Naran share more in common than just their UoM background. They also both want to be astronauts and are currently appearing on our screens every Sunday at 9pm. The reason? They’re participants in the new BBC 2 show Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?. Beating off tough competition from 3,000 […]

Guest post: Bluedot – the ultimate festival of science
For one weekend in July, the observatory at Jodrell Bank, known for its huge radio telescope, transforms into Bluedot Festival. The site is filled with thousands of campers who come for the fantastic mix of science, art and music, all set against the amazing backdrop of the Lovell Telescope. The festival blends the frontiers of […]

Space travel: the future
As summer approaches, you’re no doubt already mentally planning your holiday as you slave over a hot keyboard. Tenerife. Miami. What about Venus? Maybe that’s a bit too hot – plus it’d be a pretty long journey. Space tourism has been something us humans have dreamed of for generations. Travelling around the planets in our […]