Science Group 2

1. We welcomed Bob McEwen to our May 17th meeting as guest presenter. The theme of Bob’s talk was ‘Satellites’ (Do satellites rule the world?)

It was obvious that he had sussed out his audience who immediately recognised the theme from Telstar and all remembered Sputnik from 1957. He explained that in the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object that has been intentionally placed into orbit. These objects are called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as Earth’s Moon. Bob also included some ‘hard maths in his talk in order that we better understood some of the high speeds and vast distances involved when a communication satellite orbits the world in 90 minutes.

He concluded that we have come a long way in 60 years, especially so in the last 20 with the technology associated with mobile phones and sat navs.

2. Our link to Nottingham University ’Creative Reactions’ and ‘A Pint of Science’

Through attending some science based events led by post graduate students from Nottingham University we have built a working relationship with them. Creative Reactions or Art meets Science is where an artist works with a scientist to produce art work relating to the scientists field of expertise.

In the group we have talented artist Lynda Jackson who has been working with the Professor of Physics whose field of research is ‘Nanoparticles’. Lynda explained how she approached the subject in a style far removed from her usual approach to art. Her work has been on display in Nottingham and is shown in the photographs. Well done Lynda for building this link and for producing the paintings.

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