Space Mission to land at St George's Square
Historians will one day hail 2014 as a pivotal year in space exploration - the year the European Space Agency (ESA) landed a robot on a comet. This is the Rosetta space mission landing on Comet 67P.
Scientists from the recently opened Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy of the University of Malta have taken the task to bring a same-size satellite, rocket shows, and comet trails to St George's Square, Valletta, as part of Science in the City festival on Friday, 25 September from 6pm onwards.
"St George's Square will be transformed into a replica of the Rosetta space mission. We invite children, young people and adults to join us on our Space Mission to reach the comet on St George's Square that will be transformed into deep dark space for the night," explained Dr Jackson Said, lecturer at the Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy.
"Don't miss the launch of Ariane 5 rocket and, while there, travel on the flight path of the comet through our solar system, all the way to the comet. Experience the surface of the comet for yourself, but watch out for that black hole, its gravitational pull may suck you in too!"
Rosetta was created by ESA and became the first spacecraft to orbit a comet. In Valletta, visitors will trace its journey on top of Ariane rocket that took off on 2 March 2004 and landed on the comet 67P on 6 August 2014. There will also be the launch of the Philae lander (a drone) from Rosetta to land on the comet surface of the square.
Other interactive activities around this spectacle include playing with 3D printed model Hubble Space Telescope, rovers and satellites by Thought 3D. Other games include a simulated black hole and interactive astrophysics experiments.
Aliens and Astronauts
Music and a series of talks will discuss the science behind this great show. Dr Alessio Magri will give a talk at 7pm entitled In search of Aliens. Dutch astronomy/writer Govert Schilling will deliver a talk at 8pm on Beauty comes in small packages, which will expand upon the role played by objects smaller than planets in the solar system and more importantly what we can learn from them, while Dr Kristian Zarb Adami's subject is Comets to other earths at 9pm. A Q & A discussion will follow after each talk. Seating will be available. Space themed music will be played from 10pm till midnight all hosted by DJ Ronald Briffa.
Science in the City - European Researchers Night is funded by the EU's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) Programme, and organised by the University of Malta, the University's Research Trust (RIDT) and the Malta Chamber of Scientists. It is recognised as a festival by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE).
The festival is also supported by the European Commission Representation in Malta, the Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sports, Karl Borg Events, Central Bank of Malta, MCAST, MCST, Studio 7, Spazju Kreattiv, Meusac, PBS, Levo Laboratories, Valletta Local Council, Notte Bianca, Arts Council Malta, Thought 3D and General Soft drinks with Coca Cola.