Education and Outreach
Astrophysics and Space Physics at Trinity College Dublin is committed to the public understanding of astronomy and astrophysics. Our members regularly give public talks and lectures and participate in many science outreach activities. Use the subsections below to explore the different types of resources and programs.
Public Talks
ARG group members regularly give public talks aimed at informing the public about the essential role of astronomy in science education. These talks usually focus on the spectacular advances in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology over the recent years. Talks are usually organized for astronomy clubs and secondary school classes. Please contact the speaker directly if you would like to invite them to give a talk.
TYPE Week
The Transition Year Physics Experience (TYPE) week is a week long programme of physics related events organised by the School of Physics for transition year students. As part of this program an 'Astrophysics Day' is organized by ARG members where students:
- attend introductory talks on the universe and the solar system
- take part in creating a comet in the laboratory!
- learn about careers for astrophysicists
- attend a 3-D interactive simulation of the Sun!
- interact with students and research scientists working in the astrophysics department
Education
The World Wide Web is one of the most powerful educational tools available where one can easily find an abundance of information on astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. The following are some excellent websites explaining the basics of these subjects:
- NASA's Imagine the Universe - Explains the concepts used to study the universe.
- Academicearth - A series of videos introducing some interesting areas of astronomy.
- Hubble Space Telescope Outreach site - Gallary of Hubble pictures and all the latest Hubble news.
- Space.com - All the latest space and astronomy news.
A Day in the Life of an Astrophysicist
If you're wondering what it's like to be part of the Astrophysics Research Group, the comic on the right of the screen recounts a typical day in the life of an Astrophysicist. If you wish to learn more about being an astrophysicist, feel free to contact any members of our group.