stem

‘Gamification’ – Stellar Evolver

/ Stephen Mackintosh / Leave a comment

An example of gamification in one of my recent projects called Stellar Evolver (with audio voiceover). This is a fully VR ready experience and will enable players to interact with and watch the evolution of star systems using the visceral mechanics and feedback of a 3D based shooter.

Stellar systems can evolve from simple proto-planets up to red dwarfs and larger giant stars, eventually culminating in the formation of neutron stars and black holes.

Clearly the overall dynamics, scale and time is being exaggerated here for playability. I hope to demonstrate a working multiplayer prototype at the 2021 Hebridean Dark Sky Festival.

Developed by Mackintosh Modelling & Data Simulations
modulouniverse.com

Star Stories Astrophotography Special

/ Stephen Mackintosh / Leave a comment
88174012_2540393609530909_7483019853649936384_o-2

Eric presenting his guest talk up at Abriachan

There were only a few stars up at Abriachan Forest tonight for our Star Stories Astrophotography special, but some nice early views of the waxing crescent Moon and Venus before the weather really turned and a mini snowstorm descended.

Many thanks to our guest speaker Eric Walker from the Highlands Astronomical Society for delivering a fantastic talk on astrophotography.  Eric showcased a ton of amazing images he’s taken over the years demonstrating his passion for astronomy and observing.

Clelland also entertained in the round house with storytelling and we had a nice impromptu discussion about the night sky over the campfire between changeovers.

The next Star Stories is our Vernal Equinox special in March, which will be the last opportunity for dark sky observing this season before the return of longer days.

Eventbrite link here

Aldourie Primary Astronomy Outreach

/ Stephen Mackintosh / Leave a comment
82611103_10221628353836795_8670613512545894400_o.jpg

One of the objects we observed was the star forming nebula in Orion’s sword, imaged here by local aurora hunter and photographer Chris Cogan.

I had a fun astronomy outreach session with pupils and parents from Aldourie Primary near Loch Ness on Friday evening. At 6pm kick off we saw some captivating glimpses of dazzling Venus before it set below the tree line.

Due to initially changeable weather we moved between my indoor presentation and outdoor stargazing, but ended up getting a brilliant spell under the stars mid session.

Despite its relative closeness to Inverness skies are dark enough out here to see the Milky Way very clearly. 

Lots of the youngsters (and parents) tried their hand at binocular stargazing for the first time, peering at open star clusters, double stars, the Orion nebula and Andromeda galaxy.

If you’d like to book an outreach session for your school please message me on my facebook site, Highland Astronomy.

Supernova night at Inverness Nature Reserve

/ Stephen Mackintosh / Leave a comment
Image may contain: night and sky

The main constellations were visible over the Merkinch nature reserve in the west of Inverness, and even a hint of Milky Way.

We had a great evening at the Merkinch Urban Astronomy gathering tonight.  Big thanks to Dr Anthony Luke for delivering a fascinating talk on the chemistry of stars and supernovas. We learnt all about the synthesis of elements and compounds forged in the heart of stars.

Afterwards we were rewarded with clear skies, so I led a group up to the nature reserve for a blustery stargazing session over the Beauly Firth.

Overlooking the water we had lovely views of Orion, the Pleiades and even a hint of the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy.

The next event is an Aurora Special on Feb 20th with guest Graham Bradshaw.

Highlands Astronomical Society Guest Talk

/ Stephen Mackintosh / Leave a comment
NGC_4414_(NASA-med).jpg

An Island Universe – or ‘galaxy’ as we more commonly refer to these vast stellar structures.

I’m looking forward to delivering my guest talk on Island Universes for the Highlands Astronomical Society on Jan 7th. This is a repeat of a talk I presented at the 2019 Inverness Science Festival.

Start time is 7.15pm at the Smithton-Culloden Free Church, Murray Road, Smithton, IV2 7YU. Open to all members of the public and free entry for new visitors.

Please find full event details here.

highlandsastro

Winter Solstice Star Stories

/ Stephen Mackintosh / Leave a comment
81219170_2480419818861622_9109862326168715264_o.jpg

The Cygnus region of the Milky Way at Abriachan Forest on the Winter Solstice 2019

We had a great Solstice gathering under starry skies up at Abriachan Forest this evening.

A big thanks to author John Burns for presenting a trio of captivating tales around the campfire.  John was still under the weather with a bad cold on the night yet soldiered on to deliver two sessions of engaging storytelling.

80439358_2480419698861634_7896501556441251840_o.jpg

Best selling author and storyteller John Burns took some of his books along to the evening.

We also enjoyed a mesmerising display of fire dancing from Lesley Brown who kicked off  proceedings and provided more entertainment during the changeover.  Suzann’s mulled juice and mince pies were also greatly appreciated.

80200789_2480419678861636_6736664359918895104_o.jpg

Fire dancing with Lesley Brown

Skies were so good I decided to sideline my talk on the astronomy of ancient architecture, and was instead able to deliver outdoor stargazing all evening long, Highlights included zipping meteors, the Orion constellation, the Andromeda galaxy, numerous star clusters and a bright and vibrant Milky Way overhead.

Star Stories continues in the new year.  Look out for the next set of booking links on my Facebook site.