The Queen's Astronomer to visit Bristol Planetarium

Friday 23 October 2015

The Astronomer Royal, Lord Rees of Ludlow will visit At-Bristol Science Centre’s Planetarium on Friday afternoon, to see the new ‘Blue Marvel’ 3D Planetarium show.

Lord Rees said: "I'm very excited to be visiting the UK's first 3D planetarium, and particularly looking forward to watching the 'Blue Marvel' show that I've heard so much about."  Lord Rees will be joining a public audience of Bristol parents and children and will briefly speak after the film about why he wanted to be an astronomer when he was growing up.

Phil Winfield, At-Bristol’s Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Lord Rees to At-Bristol, and to the UK’s first 3D Planetarium.  The technology behind the Planetarium really is amazing, and complemented by our presenter-led shows and a rolling programme of shows for different audiences, we hope that it really inspires people, and encourages them to find out more about our Universe."

Lord Rees, as a guest of Mayor George Ferguson, will be a keynote speaker at the City Leadership Summit earlier in the day.

Lord Rees said: "On Friday morning I will be joining city mayors from around the world who have come to Europe's Green Capital because the people they represent want to leave the planet in a good condition for future generations.  I hope the 3D 'Blue Marvel' show, made here in Bristol, will be one of those Bristol exports that will inspire people all around the planet to look after it for future generations.  By all accounts the film sums up everything that the Bristol City Leadership Summit is striving for."

As a patron of the 'One Tree Per Child' initiative, Lord Rees has a personal link to Bristol.  In February, Mayor George Ferguson joined forces with 'One Tree Per Child' Founders Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, with Bristol becoming the initiative's global launch city.  

In celebration of Bristol as European Green Capital 2015, At-Bristol’s Planetarium team created the ‘Blue Marvel’ show, working closely with the Cabot Institute from University of Bristol, allowing visitors to see planet Earth in a whole new light. Visitors are able to discover how space exploration inspired the environmental movement, and really get under the surface of our amazing planet in full 3D glory.

For further information regarding At-Bristol, please visit www.at-bristol.org.uk or call the Bookings team on 0117 915 1000 (Monday to Friday 9-5, excluding Bank Holidays) for more information.

For more information - please contact Jen Forster, PR Manager for At-Bristol, on 0117 9157 152/07967 334 152 or jen.forster@at-bristol.org.uk.