New Scientist | Mysteries of the Universe Weekender | Cheshire, England

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 in the heart of Cheshire.

Over the weekend you will 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.

You will also visit Jodrell Bank, which 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. 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.

The weekend will be hosted by astronomy journalist, Stuart Clark, who has devoted his career to presenting the complex world of astronomy to the general public. Stuart holds a first class honours degree and a PhD in astrophysics. He is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a former vice chair of the Association of British Science Writers. On Saturday and Sunday enjoy a series of fascinating lectures from leading experts including Anna Scaife, Jo Marchant, Marcus Chown, Chris Baker and Laura Wolz.

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 weekend break is designed for anyone interested in astronomy or cosmology. It is suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to serious cosmologists.

DAY 1

Arrive in the afternoon, where you will be able to check into your room from 15:00 at the stunning De Vere Cranage Estate, a historic hotel with a Grade II listing.

The weekend introduction talk will take place at 17:00 at the hotel.

During this talk, join the group, your team from New Scientist and your host, Stuart Clark, who will introduce you to the weekend ahead and the first of this weekend’s talks.

• The Introduction to the Universe – Stuart Clark

The evening continues with drinks at 18:30 followed by dinner at 19:00 with your fellow guests.

Weather permitting, you will venture outside to the garden at around 22:00 on the grounds of the hotel for some naked-eye star gazing led by Stuart. Please make sure you bring torch and warm clothes for this activity.

DAY 2

After an early breakfast, you will take a 20-minute coach journey to Jodrell Bank.

Famous for the towering Lovell Telescope, named for the observatory’s founder Sir Bernard Lovell, Jodrell Bank is one of the world’s leading radio astronomy observatories and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It operates a national network of telescopes studying the invisible universe – a universe full of incredible things: supermassive black holes, exploding stars, spinning stars that behave like cosmic lighthouses, even ripples in the fabric of space and time itself. Jodrell Bank even had a top-secret role in national defence during the Cold War.

You will begin your visit with a private screening of two short films introducing Jodrell Bank. Afterwards, split into smaller groups for the behind-the-scenes walking tour of the historic "south side" of the Jodrell Bank site. The outdoor walking tour is accompanied by an expert from Jodrell Bank and provides an insider look at the origins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and will take place outside, visiting areas of the grounds not usually accessible to the public. Please note that this a strictly outdoor guided walking tour of a working Observatory; as such, it will not be possible to access inside the Observatory buildings. One group will do the walking tour before lunch, the other group will do it after lunch.

For those not on the tour, you will have time to explore the site at leisure including visiting the exhibition space and the Lovell Telescope.

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:

• Stargazing and the science of awe
• Black holes
• How Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we do astronomy

Later in the evening, you can continue the conversation with drinks with our speakers before dinner.

DAY 3

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

You’ll hear all about:

• The secret history of stars
• How galaxies form
• Astrophotography insight
• The search for earth's twin planet
• Manchester’s first satellite

After lunch, you’ll wil connect via a live link up with a remote telescope in Australia hosted by Chris Baker from Galaxy On Glass, where we are hoping to have clear weather, to see the sights of the southern skies.

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

DE VERE HOTEL CRANAGE ESTATE, CHESHIRE, ENGLAND

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Cheshire this Grade II listed four-star rural retreat is near the charming village of Holmes Chapel. It has both indoor and outdoor restaurants, comfortable meeting rooms for our event, a heated pool, gym, steam room and tennis courts.

Outdoors there are 20-acres of attractive gardens with views across the Cheshire countryside and Jodrell Bank is within 5 miles of the hotel.

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 stay a few more days and 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hear from leading experts in astronomy, cosmology and space science
• Live link up with remote telescope in Australia to view still images of the southern hemisphere night skies
• Meet New Scientist staff, space experts and fellow New Scientist readers.
• Private tour of Jodrell Bank's south side.
• Stay at the beautiful, Grade II listed Cranage Estate.
• Dinner and drinks with your fellow experts and guests.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• A full programme of talks and demonstrations
• Two nights’ accommodation with no single supplement in a double or twin room
• Two breakfasts, two lunches and two three-course dinners. The dinners will be in a private dining area exclusive to New Scientist. (Please advise in advance if you have dietary requirements)
• Tea, coffees, soft drinks and pastries throughout the event
• Jodrell Bank tour including transport to and from the site
• Fully instruction pack two weeks before the event
• 24-hour onsite support
• Onsite parking
• Access to heated indoor pool, gym and steam room

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance
• Transport to the venue
• Additional snacks, drinks and alcohol
• Additional nights’ accommodation

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

The talks will be held in a private conference room with comfortable seating.

We will provide transport in comfortable coaches to Jodrell Bank, where a walking tour around the site will take place, lasting approximately an hour and a half as well as a film presentation in an indoor seated pavilion. Some of the walking tour is on grass, so remember to wear your outdoor clothes.

Children are welcome but must be twelve and over. Please bear in mind that the level of the talks and activities is aimed at adults.

HOW TO GET THERE

De Vere Cranage Estate is easily accessible.

The hotel is minutes away from junction 18 of the M6 motorway. The postcode is CW4 8EW.

The nearest train station is Goosetrey which is just 15 minutes train ride from the mainline station at Crewe. From Goosetrey to the hotel is just 2.4 miles and a local taxi service is available. Alternatively, you can alight at the mainline stations of Crewe or Macclesfield, both of which are 20 minutes by taxi.