Stargazing students helped enthuse the next generation of scientists as they took part in the BBC’s solar eclipse celebrations.
DMU Physics Society and DMU Square Mile were at the BBC Stargazing Live show at Leicester Racecourse today to watch the best solar eclipse to be seen in the UK for years.
More than 1,000 schoolchildren were at the event to take part in fun science experiments, meet astronauts and watch the eclipse, the first to take place in the UK since 1999.
In Leicester, the best viewing time was 9.32am and students on campus at DMU were out in force to try to get the best view of the solar eclipse.
People gathered outside the Campus Centre and wore special eclipse glasses to view the phenomenon and pictures were posted on Twitter and Instagram.
At the racecourse, the BBC team had split the event into science-themed activities, many of which were run by universities including DMU.
Hannah Sayers, of DMU Physics, said: “We are running balloon racing competitions for children so they can learn about propulsion, aerodynamics in a fun way.
“It’s been amazing to see the eclipse, the last time it was in 1999, so I was three and didn’t see much! It’s been incredible to watch.”
DMU Square Mile volunteers Shuai-Chia from Taiwan, Angi Lin and Ellen Buckingham were showing schoolchildren DMU’s Nao robot which is used in coding classes.
DMU Square Mile uses the expertise of staff and students to benefit the community, sharing knowledge for the public good.
Children from Mayflower Primary in Evington were among those watching the Nao robot. Teacher Julie Willday said: “They are having a brilliant time today. We have strong links with DMU already and they have loved the robot and we’re talking about getting DMU students into school to teach coding.”
Posted on Friday 20 March 2015