Weekender: Mysteries of the universe, Cheshire, England

30 August to 1 September 2024 from £859 (early-bird price until 31 January)

No single supplement for solo travellers

Spend a weekend with some of the brightest minds in science, as you explore the mysteries of the universe in an exciting programme that includes an excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site Jodrell Bank to see the iconic Lovell Telescope.

Based in a delightful 4-star hotel, over this weekend you will enjoy a series of fascinating lectures that will cover the big bang through to the James Webb Space Telescope. The weekend will be hosted by Abigail Beall, a New Scientist features editor and astronomer. She will guide you through naked-eye stargazing at night. Additionally, you can explore the southern hemisphere's skies through a remote astronomy demonstration that connects with a telescope in Australia.

You will also hear from leading astronomers, astrophysicists and cosmologists, who will teach you about galaxy formation, the latest research into black holes and what iconic telescopes have already revealed. 

Visit Jodrell Bank, located near Manchester, UK. It has been at the forefront of a revolution in our understanding of the universe for more than 75 years, from the discovery of black holes to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. You will spend time at the site including an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the historic 'south side', the original heart of the observatory in the 1940s and 1950s.

You’ll stay in the charming Grade II-listed De Vere Cranage Estate hotel with a friendly group of fellow science enthusiasts. This experience is ideal for solo guests and there is no single supplement if you are a solo traveller.

This weekender is designed for anyone interested in astronomy or cosmology. It is suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to serious stargazers.

DAY 1: CHESHIRE ARRIVAL AND WEEKENDER INTRODUCTION

Arrive in the afternoon and check into your room at the stunning De Vere Cranage Estate, a historic hotel with a Grade II listing. 

You will then join the group and New Scientist’s Abigail Beall. She will introduce you to the weekend ahead and to the first of several talks with scientists who will share some of the amazing stories behind their work and the successes of other telescopes and observatories. The first talk offers an overview of Jodrell Bank and some of the pivotal achievements in its history.

The evening continues with drinks and dinner with your fellow guests and the New Scientist team. Then, weather permitting, we will venture outside for some naked-eye stargazing led by Abigail.

DAY 2: VISIT JODRELL BANK AND AFTERNOON OF TALKS

After an early breakfast, you will take a 20-minute coach journey to Jodrell Bank where you will split into small groups for private tours of its galleries, exhibitions and grounds alongside the iconic Lovell Telescope, and embark on a walking tour to the historic "south side" of its site. You will also have time to explore the site at leisure. Enjoy lunch at Jodrell Bank before transferring back to your hotel. 

Once back at the Cranage Estate, we have lined up the following fascinating afternoon talks, covering a range of topics which may include:

• The James Webb Space Telescope
• Black holes
• Radio astronomy

Later in the evening, you can continue the conversation with drinks with our speakers, before dinner and a chance to do some more stargazing, guided by Abigail (weather permitting).

DAY 3: MORNING TALKS AND AFTERNOON AUSTRALIA SATELLITE LINK UP

After a more leisurely breakfast, we’ve got a packed morning of talks and demonstrations. 

You may hear all about:

• How galaxies form
• The Square Kilometre Array
• Manchester’s first satellite

After lunch, we will connect via a live link-up with a remote telescope in Australia, hosted by Chris Baker from Galaxy on Glass. We are hoping to have clear weather to see the sights of the southern skies. 

We’ll wrap the three days with a closing discussion with the speakers, hosted by Abigail, before you boldly go back to your home planet.

ADDITIONAL DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER

For those wanting to extend their time in and around Lancashire, you are welcome to arrive a few days early or to stay a few more days in order to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Cheshire or visit Manchester and its many scientific sites, including the Science and Industry Museum. This can be arranged for an additional fee.

EVENT NOTES

Full event notes will be issued a few weeks prior to the event.

QUESTIONS

Feel to drop us a line at tours@newscientist.com with your questions.