Unveiling the Radio Universe: A Recap of the 13th Lewis Elton Lecture

 

The School of Maths & Physics, University of Surrey successfully hosted the 13th Lewis Elton Lecture on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at the Austin Pearce 3 (AP3) Lecture Theatre in Guildford. The event, titled "Down to Earth Astronomy: A tour of the radio universe," captivated the audience with a journey through the unseen wonders of the cosmos unveiled by radio waves.

A Warm Welcome and Introduction

The evening commenced with a welcoming address by Professor Jim Al Khalili. He offered a warm introduction to the Lewis Elton lecture series and the esteemed speaker, Dr. Emma Chapman for the evening.

A Glimpse Beyond the Visible with JWST

The session then embarked on a captivating exploration, beginning with a dive into the universe using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The discussion delved into the recent launch of JWST, its intricate structure, and the groundbreaking science it has already yielded. The audience was treated to a visual presentation showcasing JWST's stunning images, including those of Jupiter, a Seyfert galaxy, deep field image of the universe and the breathtaking Carina Nebula.

Shifting Gears: The Power of Radio Astronomy

Following this celestial exploration using infrared light, the lecture transitioned to the unseen realm of radio waves. The speaker expertly contrasted radio astronomy with the capabilities of JWST (operating in the infrared) and Hubble (focusing on the visible spectrum). This highlighted the unique power of radio waves to pierce through dust and gas, revealing hidden aspects of the universe invisible to other telescopes. The inherent differences between radio astronomy and its space-based counterparts were further emphasized. Unlike the cleanroom environments associated with JWST and Hubble, radio astronomy is a grounded endeavor. Radio telescopes, often colossal in size, reside in remote desert locations, demanding a unique approach to research and observation.

A Universe Unveiled: Radio Astronomy vs. Infrared/Visible Light

The lecture then delved deeper into the contrasting capabilities of radio astronomy compared to infrared and visible light observations. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

• Wavelength: Radio waves have much longer wavelengths compared to infrared and visible light. This allows them to bypass dust and gas clouds that would otherwise obscure our view in the optical and infrared spectrums.
• Penetrating Power: Due to their longer wavelengths, radio waves can penetrate deep into interstellar dust clouds, revealing the hidden nurseries of stars and newborn stellar objects. Visible and infrared light, on the other hand, are often blocked by these clouds.
• Unique Phenomena: Radio astronomy allows us to observe phenomena invisible at other wavelengths. This includes the study of pulsars, the remnants of massive stars, and the detection of neutral hydrogen gas, the most abundant element in the universe.

 

A Glimpse into the Future: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

As the lecture progressed, the discussion shifted towards the future of radio astronomy. The upcoming construction of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) captured the audience's imagination. The SKA will be a game-changer, poised to be the largest radio telescope ever built. This behemoth will consist of two arrays, one in South Africa and another in Australia, working in tandem to collect radio waves from space.

The Promise of the SKA

The SKA's immense collecting area, spread across vast distances, will provide unprecedented sensitivity and resolution. This will enable astronomers to:

• Peer further back in time, potentially observing the very first stars and galaxies that emerged after the Big Bang.
• Study the formation and evolution of galaxies in much greater detail.
• Search for new pulsars and other exotic objects in the universe.
• Hunt for potential signs of extraterrestrial intelligence by looking for techno signatures in radio waves.

The SKA promises to revolutionise our understanding of the universe, and the lecture concluded with a call to action, urging the audience to embrace the possibilities of listening to the universe through this revolutionary instrument.

 

 

A Night of Learning and Inspiration

The 13th Lewis Elton Lecture proved to be a resounding success. The pre-lecture drinks reception fostered a welcoming atmosphere for attendees to connect and engage in scientific discussions. The captivating lecture itself sparked curiosity and ignited a passion for exploring the unseen wonders of the universe using the power of radio waves. As the School of Maths & Physics looks towards future events, the 13th Lewis Elton Lecture undoubtedly sets a high bar for scientific discourse and public engagement.

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Northern Lights : How to see them in UK 2024

 

Northern lights, captured in University of Surrey, UK

The UK was recently treated to a rare sight: the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, dancing across its night sky. This phenomenon was caused by a powerful solar storm that hit Earth on May 10, 2024. This level was solar storm has not been seen since 2005.

Here's a breakdown of what happened and how you might catch a glimpse of the aurora if it continues:

Northern Lights, Captured in Guildford, UK

A Solar Storm Lights Up the Night

An artistic representation of a solar storm. The plasma can be seen launching 
from the surface of Sun

A series of eruptions on the Sun's surface unleashed a stream of charged particles hurtling towards Earth at an incredible speed of 900 km/s (over twice the usual!). This "solar wind" collided with Earth's magnetic field, triggering a strong geomagnetic storm and causing the aurora to be visible at lower latitudes than normal, including parts of the UK.

The captivating colors of the Aurora Borealis aren't a random display! They depend on two key factors: the type of gas molecule the solar wind interacts with and the altitude of the collision within the atmosphere.

The image displays how the color of Aurora is dependent on both the altitude and the type of molecules

Green Aurora (most common): High-altitude collisions (over 150 miles up) between energetic particles and atomic oxygen create the mesmerizing greenish-yellow glow.

Red Aurora (less common): Collisions with atomic oxygen at lower altitudes (up to 150 miles) cause the red hues, but these auroras are generally fainter than green ones.

Blue & Purple Aurora (rarest): Excited molecular nitrogen, requiring more energy than oxygen atoms, creates these vibrant colors. They're most likely seen during strong solar storms due to the increased energy at lower altitudes (around 60 miles).

Best Places to See the Aurora (if it reappears)

 

                                    Image of Aurora Borealis in Scotland

While the initial sightings occurred on Friday night (May 10th) and continued into Saturday morning (May 11th), there's a chance the aurora might reappear over the next few days:
Prime Locations: Scotland and northern England are predicted to have the best viewing opportunities due to their northerly position.
Beyond the North: The geomagnetic storm might be strong enough for the aurora to be visible across the entire UK, with some luck!

Maximising your chances of seeing the Northern Lights

Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of witnessing the aurora:

Seek Darkness: Light pollution significantly hinders visibility. Look for areas far from city lights, ideally in the countryside.
Clear Skies are Key: Clouds will block your view of the aurora. Check weather forecasts for clear skies, especially towards the north.
Patience is a Virtue: The aurora is unpredictable. Be prepared to wait for extended periods and enjoy the clear night sky while you do.
Timing Your Aurora Chase

The recent solar storm's effects are expected to last several days. Here's a timeline to help you plan your aurora viewing:
Friday Night (May 10th): The initial sightings of the aurora occurred.
Saturday Night (May 11th): There's a possibility of further sightings, particularly in the north.
Next Week: Experts suggest the peak auroral activity might occur on Monday or Thursday of the following week.

A Word on Technology and Safety

While the solar storm might affect technology in space and on Earth, the Met Office does not anticipate any disruptions to UK infrastructure. Space weather is constantly monitored, and actions are taken when necessary to mitigate risks.
Embrace the Wonder!

The recent solar storm and the resulting aurora sightings were a spectacular reminder of the dynamic forces at play in our solar system. With a little preparation and a dash of luck, you too might witness this celestial phenomenon if the aurora returns in the coming days!

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