Dr Helen E. Mason
I am a research scientist at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), Centre for Mathematical Sciences (www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/astro/helen/helen.html ).
With learners in South Africa , July 2005
I am a co-investigator on Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint ESA/NASA satellite launched in December 1995, and now approaching ten years of very successful operations (sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov). SOHO has not simply provided some amazing images and movies, it has also enabled scientists to develop an unprecedented insight into the physics of the Sun.
UV image of the Sun from SOHO and a UV image of the Sun from TRACE
I enjoy working with school students and have been developing a web-site/CD-ROM for schools called Sun|trek (www.suntrek.org ), which is about the Sun and its effect on the Earth’s environment. I also work closely with the Millennium Maths Project (based at DAMTP), in particular with the MOTIVATE video conferences (www.motivate.maths.org ) which have linked up schools in the UK and South Africa . I was over in Cape Town last year working with schools in former township regions. That trip was co-ordinated by Brian Isaacs (University of the Western Cape , MICSEC Outreach Programme) and Toni Beardon at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment Centre (AIMSSEC) (www.aims.ac.za/aimssec ).
The North and South project and trip followed on from these activities. It was a fantastic experience for everyone, both from the UK and South Africa . During the first week we worked with schools in the former township regions near Cape Town . I really enjoyed working with the group of Dereham students (Matthew, Peter, Michael and Alex) who had prepared some activities related to the Sun.
The UV beads and the 3D postcards of the Sun were a great success!! During the second week, Reggie Caesar, a maths teacher from Worcester and four learners (Zilumkile, Yolanda, Lisebo and Siyabonga) joined us to visit the SALT telescope in Sutherland. We learnt a lot about SALT, and also saw the stars and Milky Way as we’ve never seen them before!!
We had never expected this trip to have such an impact on us or on the schools we worked with. Photos and words alone cannot convey the life, colour and sounds of South Africa . Our very special thanks go to Clifford Nxomani (SAAO), Toni Beardon (AIMSSEC), Brian Isaacs, Adrian Snell and many others (especially our sponsors) for making this trip possible.
Most of all I would like to thank the people of South Africa for making us feel so welcome.
DAMTP shown here on a snowy, winter's day.
“North and South is a wonderful educational and scientific opportunity. It will be a mind-broadening experience for the students involved. The project exemplifies the best kind of international partnership which may bear fruit in lasting collaboration and friendship with South African colleagues."
Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, Master of Trinity College
The University of Cambridge is a world leader in scientific research and is approaching its 800th anniversary. Scientists working at the University have unlocked many of the secrets of the Universe. Back in the 17th century Isaac Newton described the solar system in mathematical terms with his theory of gravitation and in the 20th century a series of discoveries at the Cavendish Laboratory revealed the structure of the atom. Today Cambridge scientists like Professor Stephen Hawking, DAMTP, help further our understanding of the Cosmos. Close by, the Institute of Astronomy is also a world class organisation with scientists like the Astronomer Royal, Sir Martin Rees using data from observatories all over the planet and in space to explore our Universe.