SPACE

Like so many kids I wanted to be an astronaut. Somehow that never happened, but I am now indulging my fascination with space by studying astronomy, planetary science and astrophysics with the Open University. When I was a kid information on astronomy came from books, most of which I had to persuade my parents to buy for me (they could usually be persuaded to shell out for anything 'educational'). Plus there was the odd magazine and occasional TV programme (Cosmos springs to mind). For a long time it seemed that there was relatively little space news. Only the launch of the Space Shuttle and the Voyager missions really stand out.

Today through the internet I am swamped with more information than I can possible take in. There are so many programmes, so much new data coming in. I tend to rely on Twitter for keeping up to date with what's happening day-to-day and read as many links as I can manage before my brain gives out. I also read 'Astronomy Now' and go to events such as Astrofest and the UK Space Conference for some face to face space science. I am also a member of my local Astronomy group (Reading Astronomy Society) so that I can finally do some actual practical astronomy. This was something I longed to do growing up, but with my few attempts thwarted by cloudy skies and no one else in the family interested, I only really read books. Cloudy skies are still an issue, as apparantly Berkshire has just had the cloudiest winter for 50 years!

I am also now actively involved with UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Sapce). I am the vice chair and project coordinator and was until August the payload coordinator for their myPocketQub project. I have also set up an Open University branch .

On my space pages I aim to bring together information about space events, programmes, discoveries etc. This is a somewhat random collection of things that interest me and hopefully will interest you too. I have also linked into the twitter feed for some of the space people I follow to give you a flavour of what goes on in the space twittersphere.

CITIZEN SCIENCE

When I was growing up you had very little chance of doing any real science as an amateur unless you were prepared to invest in astronomy equipment and sit outside in the cold night after night. These days you can do real science from the comfort of your own home with the aid of only a computer and internet access. You don't need any specialist technical knowledge, just an interest and a bit of spare time. On projects such as Galaxy Zoo amateurs are making a real contribution to science. I've collected together some of the projects that you might like to get involved in. If you are aware of any more please let me know.

STARTING ASTRONOMY

Just getting started with practical astronomy? This page lists simple things you can do, many without a telescope. As I'm just getting started myself I will be adding more advanced projects as I go.

SPACE EVENTS and LOCAL GROUPS

There are lots of cool space events around the UK, festivals, star parties, local astronomy group talks etc. Plus local astronomy societies you can join to help you get started. I've put together a list of the once I know about. It's not exhaustive, but hopefully a good starting point.

SPACE DAYS OUT

Dotted around the country are observatories, planetariums, museums and other space related attractions for you to visit. Again I've put together a list of the once I know about. Let me know if you can recommend any others.

SPACE LINKS

I've collected together links to various space related websites. These include the once you mustn't miss, NASA, ESA etc, but also some less well known sites with useful information and fun stuff.