Immersive Science III: Astronomy for All Australians

(ADULT) (Doors open at 6:30)

Grab a delicious craft beer, realise the power of stars, delve into the latest gravitational wave research, and explore the Universe—all without leaving town. Science communicators and researchers Associate Professor Alan Duffy and Dr Rebecca Allen return to share the latest wonders of Australian-led research in Astronomy through SciVR; an immersive astronomy experience enabled by a virtual reality (VR) smartphone app. Alan and Rebecca share the science of astronomy through a more inclusive experience with an updated app, special close-captioned studio live-stream and interpreters. Engage with the speakers for Q&A and learn about these exciting topics. Please bring your fully charged smartphone (sharing in groups is fine). Please arrive from 6:30pm to get your headset ready for a 7pm start. You will be given a mini VR headset at the event. Download the app for free at www.scivr.com.au.

Auslan interpreter pending.

This program has been made possible with the generous support of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), Swinburne University of Technology, and is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.

Speakers

• Professor Alan Duffy is a computational astrophysicist at Swinburne University of Technology creating baby universes on supercomputers to understand how galaxies like our Milky Way form and grow within vast halos of invisible dark matter. When not exploring simulated universes Alan lectures in physics as well as science communication at Swinburne University. Every fortnight Alan ​examines​ breaking science ​developments ​during his space segment ​on​ ABC Breakfast News TV​ and​ ABC Radio Melbourne​​ with Sami Shah and Jacinta Parsons​​ and ​as​ a regular on Ten’s The Project.

• Dr Rebecca Allen completed her PhD in astrophysics at Swinburne University of Technology. Her research focuses on understanding the evolution and growth of galaxies over time, going all the way back to when the Universe was barely a billion years old. Now part of Swinburne's Space Office and the manager of Swinburne Astronomy Productions, she uses her scientific expertise and enthusiasm to communicate the wonders of the Universe to others and to create inspiring and transformative learning experiences.

How to get to the event

The street address is 80 North Street, Richmond

If travelling by:

TRAM: Head to Flinders Street and jump on a 48 or 75 tram and get off at River St, Richmond.

BIKES: The event is very close to the Yarra trail which is a great way to come

CARS: There are usually on street parks available out the front of the brewery on North St.

See the map below for more details