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Rutherford Appleton Laboratory On Thursday 11th February 2010 we set off on a long journey to Didcot, to visit the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. We started the morning with a presentation in the planetarium. We learnt about the solar system and some constellations. We were also informed of how it rains sulphuric acid on Venus. The speaker explained how increasing CO2 emissions could eventually increase the Earth’s temperature by 10.C and sea levels would rise as a result. Interesting facts about the sun were given: it’s surface temperature is as hot as 5500.C and the core temperature is 14 billion. C. Rutherford are currently working with NASA to assist with the investigation of the sun’s atmosphere and the effect it has on Earth, such as disruption to communication systems. Rutherford has designed and made the telescopes on board the NASA solar probe mission. High resolution photographs and data will be sent back to Earth over the next five years. After our eyes had adjusted to normal light, we ate lunch and then took a tour around ISIS, the particle accelerator. With our lovely tour guide, Scott, we learnt about the different items which are tested using the facility. For example, the wings of the new A380 jumbo jet were tested for strength and durability. A leading shampoo manufacturer has tested pleasant scents used in shampoo to see how this affects their ability to clean our hair – the outcome was to avoid mango based scents as these do not clean as well. During the tour we had a chance to visit the new Target Station which was only opened in December 2009. Our guide described how live viruses can now be tested in this new section of the ISIS facility, helping to improve and develop new medicines. It was interesting to see how such a complex laboratory can help design the products which affect our daily lives. By Lydia and Sarah
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