Find out about exciting events and new discoveries at The University of Manchester.
The Romani Project Team at the University of Manchester have created an interactive DVD-ROM about the Romani (Gypsy) language. You can learn about the fascinating history of Romani, and Romani in the modern world, with the help of animations, maps, sound clips, videos and games.
More details can be found in the Words module - Discover more..
The successful Pharmacy in Primary Schools (PIPS) Widening Participation Programme was launched in March 2007. Aimed at year 6 pupils, the programme involved 4 visits to a class of 30 at Newall Green Primary School and a visit by them to the University of Manchester. The aims of the programme are to raise pupils awareness and aspirations about higher education and to introduce pharmacy as an exciting and attainable career option.
For more details about PIPS and how you can get involved click here.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the completion of the giant Lovell Radio Telescope at Jodrell Bank. Its first major act was to track the carrier rocket of Sputnik I, the word's first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union on 4th October 1957 - the dawn of the Space Age. As the only instrument in the world capable of this feat Jodrell Bank watched on behalf of the world.
During 2007 we will be organising a number of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lovell Telescope, to celebrate 50 years of space and highlight the role that space plays today in our everyday lives.
More details can be found at http://www.manchester.ac.uk/jodrellbank
Plymouth Grove Primary School are the proud winners of the Children's University launch competition.
Patrick Johnson from the Children's University team presented the £100 prize to pupils at the school. The competition asked children to explore the Children's University website and answer 12 questions relating to all areas of the interactive content from Teeth and Eating to Micro-organisms. Well done to all!
On Thursday 24th August 2006, astronomers meeting in Prague decided that Pluto should no longer be a planet.
There are now officially only 8 planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune. Pluto, Eris (slightly larger than Pluto and about twice as far away) and Ceres (the largest asteroid) are now to be called dwarf planets.
The decision came about because of the discovery of Eris. Astronomers suspect that in the coming years many objects larger than Pluto will be discovered in the icy outer reaches of the solar system. They thought it would cause confusion if we eventually had hundreds of planets and so decided on this new category of dwarf planet for these rather small objects (Pluto is actually smaller than our own Moon). However the decision is very controversial. Already some astronomers and others are getting behind a move to reinstate Pluto as a planet - so watch this space!
Eris, the dwarf planet discovered in 2003, is named after the Greek goddess of strife and discord - quite
appropriate given the arguments following its discovery which
eventually led to the removal of Pluto's status
as a planet.
Jodrell Bank, the UK's national radio astronomy observatory and part of The University of Manchester's School of Physics and Astronomy, was named in September as the overall winner of the BBC's online competition to find the UK's greatest 'Unsung Landmark'.
Ben Hall is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the best young wildlife photographers. In this, his first major exhibition, you will see some of the superb pictures from Ben's British wildlife collection including foxes, rabbits, kingfishers and many more. You can also colour your own pictures using Ben's images as a guide and learn about the photographic techniques Ben uses by watching Henry McGhie's video interview with Ben himself.
To find out what's on this month at the museum visit our What's on page
"An Explorer's Guide to Textiles - created by kids for kids" has recently opened at The Whitworth Art Gallery. Why not visit the textiles gallery and pick up a FREE guide before starting your fun packed exploration. To find out more visit http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/events/
Fashion and Textile Retailing students from The University of Manchester recently held a fashion show to raise money for Christie hospital. Fashion and Textile Lecturer Delia Vazquez, who organises the annual event, said: "As well as raising valuable funds for Christie's and the Alex Hall Memorial fund, the show teaches students about market trends and how quickly high street stores have to adapt to new fashions."
The Joule Centre for Energy Research has recently opened at The University of Manchester. The centre will carry out pioneering research into wave, tidal, solar and wind-powered technologies to help tackle climate change and improve energy efficiency both in the home and in industry. Visit the Joule Centre website.
