in the Celestial Sphere

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Marcus Leuw

Hi, I’m Marcus.

I studied Maths, Computing and Geography at Dereham 6th Form College. I recently finished my second year of studying these courses and attained the results I need for my university course in meteorology and oceanography. I got a B in Maths, a C in Computing and a C in Geography so in September I will be a University boy!

My favourite hobbies are drumming, tennis and snowboarding and I have a weekend job in a supermarket where I have to cook chickens for a living. But I don’t recommend this as a career unless you enjoy getting your arms scalded.

I first joined the astronomy club because of my interest in the subject and I am very keen to learn lots more. The trip to South Africa was an absolutely amazing experience. I was part of the Solar System group, teaching the kids about the planets and our galaxy. The students in the schools we visited were amazing, so well behaved and keen to learn. If only it was the same with English students……a bit hypocritical of me to say, I know!

The trip wasn’t just about us teaching them though, I also learned a lot while I was there. For example, Mr Colman taught me that it would take……well, let's just say a long time to walk to the sun. I can’t remember which figure was the most frequently used now!

Seeing the telescope in Sutherland was incredible. It was so interesting to find out about how it works and the mechanics involved with the project. While I was there, I asked what sort of qualifications you would need to get a job working with the telescope and unfortunately I don’t qualify, so it’s back to roasting chickens for me. Nice to have a dream though!

On one of the days in South Africa we visited a township in Worcester . At first I was nervous about going because I wasn’t sure how the residents would react to us being there. But I was amazed at how kind and friendly everybody was to us and I really enjoyed myself there.

If I was given the chance I would definitely want to go to South Africa again, anything to see Peter Meijer eat 3 teaspoons of ‘hot az hell’ sauce one last time. Can you taste again yet Pete?