The National Schools’ Observatory (NSO) makes it possible for schoolchildren to study the night sky for themselves with free access to the world's largest fully-robotic telescope, LJMU’s Liverpool Telescope. 2,500 registered schools across the UK and Ireland have already participated in the outreach project, with 15,000 students making 100,000 astronomical observations each year.
To find out how your school could get involved, visit the NSO website.
“[The National Schools Observatory] gave me a real insight into physics and made me decide on what I wanted to do at degree level. Now I will be studying a physics and astronomy degree.”
- Simon, a 17-year-old school pupil
Spaceport attracts 70,000 visitors each year. A joint venture with Merseytravel, ARI was involved in all stages of the production of the exhibits and interactive displays and continue to advise on content.
We also help organise a range of events at the attraction, ranging from international conferences to activity days for schools. This includes the annual Merseyside Astronomy Day which draws people from all over the country to hear a series of talks delivered by professional astrophysicists.
Visit the Spaceport website
Each year we welcome 15 students, ages between 16-18, for a week long work experience programme. This week consists of talks, workshops and an in-depth group research project supervised by professional astronomers in the department. The week culminates in the students producing a report and presenting their findings to the rest of the group and invited staff from the ARI. There is no charge for this work experience week; all we ask is that the students can easily commute to the ARI office in Liverpool City Centre (146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF).
We are keen to attend career fairs to highlight the numerous careers available to those with a physics degree.
Get in touch with us if you’d like us to attend your upcoming career fair.