|
|
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory On Friday 27th February 2009, Year 11 and the Sixth Form Mathematics and Physics students were privileged to visit the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. We were pleased to arrive to biscuits and refreshments before moving on to the more academic side of the visit. The departments which we visited were Advanced Materials, Metrology, ASTRA Laser Facility and the Vulcan Control Room. We were given an overview of life at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and experienced the variety of careers available in such a diverse workplace. The valuable work being carried out worldwide by the laboratory is incredible and an insight into the years of work that have been contributed to by scientists for a range of concepts and ideas was demonstrated. It was interesting to find out about the use of the wide range of facilities at the centre by visiting scientists from all over the world. The planetarium experience, however, was for most of us the highlight of the day. As we sat inside an inflatable dome the night sky was projected at 350 times faster than in real life, revealing the wonders of our galaxy. We were given an inspiring talk as we relaxed under the stars. The ISIS Accelerator section of the visit demonstrated the world’s most successful pulsed particle accelerator. The facility provides beams of neutrons and muons that enable scientists to probe microscopic structures and is used by companies and universities to test materials and explore the dynamics of matter. There is a need for a new generation of particle physicists and engineers to continue the valuable work at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and we were able to experience part of the everyday lives of those in these positions, giving us a greater insight into this career path. It was evident from this visit to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory how significant the work of these scientists really is and that their research and discoveries are of great consequence to the population of the world as a whole. We are very grateful to those who took time out of their busy schedule to talk to us during this visit. Olivia and Natasha Year 12
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |