"Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere" Carl Sagan Science and imagination are an interesting mix. I'm sure it's spurred on some fascinating scienific discoveries in history. It's also a great way to explain science as I was to find out on my travels to Iceland.... Continue Reading →
It became a lockdown adventure. I hadn't really looked carefully before for these words that lay embedded in various nooks and crannies along the capital’s picturesque waterfront. But it was a lot of fun looking for hidden treasures of poetic quotes and typographical sculptures written by many prolific New Zealand writers. Much to my surprise... Continue Reading →
I’ve always appreciated the beauty of maps and the visual stories they can tell. The colours, lines, shapes depict a geographical landscape. With the New Zealand festival of the arts writers programme running in February 2020, I was lured into hearing some of the authors speak about their recent publications. Chris McDowall, Nadine Anne... Continue Reading →
As I wrapped up my time at Space Place, Carter Observatory I reflected on all those starry skies I had viewed in the planetarium. Just how many imaginations I had inspired to look for creatures big and small roaming our nighttime sky. Today, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) refers to 88 official star constellations celebrating... Continue Reading →
I’ve always been fascinated as to how writers and journalists create their stories, in particular their career story. It’s a path coloured with initiative, dedication and passion. And this was to be the case for Alanna Mitchell, a successful Canadian science journalist. I was intrigued by her life story having travelled with scientists for over... Continue Reading →
It was to be a weekend full of aerospace events, otherwise in a wet and cold June in Christchurch. It’s not everyday you meet up with individuals inspired by spacecraft and satellites – and the chance to board the SOFIA aircraft. Friday night’s aerospace meet up was to engage a number of enthusiastic space inspired... Continue Reading →
Just how powerful is nature to inspire ideas for a picture book? This weekend, I was to listen to the achievements of French author-illustrators, Clotilde Perrin and Eric Veillé. In association with Gecko Press, Alliance Francaise and Institut Francais, they are currently touring Zealand for the Embassy of France’s Les Petits Kiwis. I listened intently... Continue Reading →
It was all about lenses and light and discovering macro and micro worlds. Inspired by the recent Semi-Conductor exhibition at the City Art Gallery, another school programme unfolded this April at Space Place, Carter Observatory, where young curious minds got to work. From satellites and stars to microbes and minerals, young people were challenging their... Continue Reading →
I’ve previously attended a presentation led by artists Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt in their pursuit to unite science and art. And I was certainly keen to hear the duo artists speak again as we walked around their current exhibition at the City Art Gallery in Wellington. They are called Semi-Conductor – their work showcasing... Continue Reading →
We are spoilt with technology today. Thanks to Google and other digital devices, we are constantly reminded of the time. Calendars also help to remind us when equinoxes occur (equal days and nights as the sun crosses the celestial equator) or summer and winter solstices (the longest and shortest days of the year). Measuring time... Continue Reading →
Rebecca John 