`Outer Space Inner Space' marks Observatory's 80th anniversary
Published On Mon 26 Oct 2015 by Roddy Isles
Mills Observatory in Dundee is celebrating 80 years of stargazing and public engagement with the official launch of a new interactive project developed by the University of Dundee.
`Outer Space|Inner Space’ will give visitors to the Observatory the chance to delve into some of the world-leading research carried out at the University.
A huge video wall will allow users to look at everything from the tiniest cells to outer space, based on research from the University in Life Sciences, Computing, Physics, Mathematics, Medicine and Astronomy.
This ambitious project is funded by the Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression at the University of Dundee by a Strategic Grant from the Wellcome Trust and in partnership with Leisure & Culture Dundee.
The new facilities will allow accessible, interactive exploration of University research across all these disciplines. The technology used also ensures that all audiences, especially people with impairments, can experience and interact with the presentations.
Dr Sam Swift, Head of the Centre for Advanced Scientific Technologies at the University of Dundee said, “Outer Space Inner Space is an incredibly powerful and significant project focusing on a wide range of research that is having a real impact on people’s lives. It is visually stunning, hugely engaging and interactive, and is accessible to absolutely everyone. Most importantly, it's an awful lot of fun.”
Stewart Murdoch, Managing Director of Leisure & Culture Dundee, said, “This collaborative project and investment is an example of what we do best. This city is great at working together for the benefit of all. Mills Observatory was established to promote public access and engagement. This project has future proofed that idea so that we can continue to provide inspiring opportunities and exciting events after eighty years. “
Lord Provost Bob Duncan said, “This is a fantastic way to mark eighty years of stargazing at the Mills Observatory. It is a brilliant building, and one the people of Dundee treasure. This new interactive project is sure to get more people through the door and interested in space exploration.”
‘Mills at 80’ takes place exactly 80 years to the day since the Observatory first opened. The free event is on Wednesday October 28 between 6pm and 8pm and there will also be a chance to find out about the history of the building and explore the night skies.
The full Mills Observatory 2015/16 winter events programme is available at http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills-home
A history of Mills Observatory is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mills_Observatory
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head of Corporate Communications
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384910
Mobile: 07800 581902
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk