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, 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

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

You will then join the group and New Scientist’s Abigail Beall, who will introduce you to the weekend ahead and the first of several talks with scientists who will share amazing stories behind their work and the achievements of other telescopes and observatories. The first talk is an overview 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 star gazing led by Abigail.

DAY 2

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 Telescopes
• 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

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

You’ll hear all about:

• How galaxies form
• The Square Kilometre Array
• 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 Abigail, 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 the southern hemisphere night skies
• Meet New Scientist Staff, space experts and fellow New Scientist readers.
• Private tour of Jodrell Bank.
• Stay at the beautiful, Grade II listed Cranage Estate.
• Dinner and drinks with your fellow experts and guests.

Host: Abigail Beall is a writer and features editor for New Scientist, where she also writes a monthly astronomy column. In 2019, Abigail wrote and published The Art of Urban Astronomy and has also co-written three popular science books for Dorling Kindersley. She has helped New Scientist readers explore the night skies over Norway and will shortly be accompanying Discovery Tours to Australia and Chile for astronomy, observatory visits and the 2023 total solar eclipse. (Pictured above at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory).

In addition, Abigail is a physics, technology and environment journalist whose work has appeared in Wired, BBC Science Focus and BBC Future.

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.
• Naked-eye stargazing session (subject to weather).
• 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.

The naked-eye stargazing will be subject to weather and will take place in the hotel grounds. A torch, stout footwear and warm clothing is recommended for this activity.

We will provide transport in comfortable coaches to Jodrell Bank, where a walking tour around the site will take place, lasting approximately an hour 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 from the night before.

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