Astroblast 2008

Astroblast comes to Bedford School - 2nd November 2008

A FREE event called 'ASTROBLAST' will be held at Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU on Sunday 2nd November between 10am and 4pm

'ASTROBLAST' is a Space and Astronomy Fun Day aimed at children, parents, teachers and anyone who wants to find out more about the Universe in which we live.

Previously held to great acclaim for the last two years in Cambridge, this year it comes to Bedford School in association with Bedford Astronomical Society where it promises to be even bigger and better. This is a FREE event, that always has a few exciting surprises for visitors. Talks and displays will include telescopes of the future, rocket demonstrations, a leading expert on Meteorites, new insights into Saturn, Star Troopers, workshops, lots of advice on getting started in astronomy and numerous trade stands.

In addition there will be ten ‘Stardome Planetarium Shows’ from 10.20am at £2 for adults and £1 for children.

If you would like a 3-course lunch at the School for just £5 call 01954 211288 but please book by Monday 27 October.

Speakers include:

Professor Monica Grady: A talk by a leading expert on Meteorites
Mike Francies: World-champion talks about flying radio-controlled rocket gliders
Jon London: Will talk about rockets and also fire a real rocket motor
Dr Lee Sproats: Will look into the future of the planned giant optical telescopes
Andrew Lound: A dramatic talk on 'Saturn, Lord of the Rings' with new insights

To Summarise:

‘ASTROBLAST’ consists of Children's activities, a full programme of talks from leading experts, planetarium shows, rocket workshop and demonstrations, trade stands and society displays, plus some strange surprises all adding up to a great day out. Rumour has it that there may be a Storm Trooper invasion.
Experts will be on hand to tell you how to get started in astronomy, and how to choose and use binoculars and telescopes. Would you like to take close-up photos of the Moon? Astroblast will show you how. Leading astro photographers will also be displaying their work and explaining how they produce such beautiful results.
The Southern England Rocket Flyers (SERFs) have confirmed they'll be attending Astroblast. They will be displaying the rockets they use in international competitions and if the weather co-operates will fly some of their smaller rockets. We have at least two other sets of rocketeers coming to run workshops and tell visitors how to get started in rocketry.
Mike Francies from SERFs is a World Champion in the art of rocket-launched radio-controlled gliders and he plans to fly one at Astroblast. He (or a colleague) will also give a talk on a recent behind-the-scenes visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This is the launch site for the first satellite, Sputnik, and the first man in space, Yuri Gargarin.

Come along and enjoy a great family day out in the attractive grounds of Bedford School. Entrance and parking through the Bedford School main gate on De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU