Pale blue dot: Science Alive 2017
27 years ago, on this day, Voyager One took a photograph of the entire solar system. From a distance of six billion kilometres, caught in the sun’s scattered light, the planet Earth is barely visible.
Science Alive 2017, inspired by the astronomer Carl Sagan’s response to the pale blue dot image, will set out to illustrate the complexity and fragility of our home planet.
Jointly organised by the British Council, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Education City Limited, Science Alive 2017 will include talks, interactive workshops, lectures, performances and family days. 50 activities will be held from 4-17 March 2017.
Since its inception 24 years ago, Science Alive has invited leading UK scientists, academics and communicators to promote science towards Hong Kong’s students, teachers and general public. Christopher Rawlings, Director of the British Council in Hong Kong said, “in celebration of Science Alive’s twenty-fifth anniversary, we are delighted to be welcoming experienced science communicators from all over the UK to bring science to life for science lovers of all ages. Whether you’re curious about astronomy, confectionary or our oceans’ hidden creatures, there is something for everyone.”
FameLab, a competition for 18-35 year olds, challenges participants to present a complex scientific topic in three minutes. The FameLab Hong Kong Grand Final will take place at Comix Home Base in Wanchai. “It is our hope that this new venue will draw in a new crowd and bring a new twist to the art of science communication,” said Christopher Rawlings, “the first prize allows the winner to attend the Cheltenham Science Festival and compete in the global FameLab International.”
Residents of the pale blue dot interested in attending Science Alive are welcome to visit the website of the British Council for more information.