Science ship to sail into city
LOCALS in Liverpool will have the opportunity to discover one of the world’s most advanced research ships next month.
The RRS Discovery, a 100m-long research ship used for climate research, will be sailing into the city to give people to chance to set foot aboard and see science in action.
The vessel, which will be moored in Liverpool from October 4-7, is part of the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) ‘Into the Blue’ celebration of science.
When the ship arrives on October 4, she will show off by rotating 360 degrees in the middle of the Mersey, before coming alongside the Cruise Terminal.
Those on one of the exclusive 90-minute tours will see hands-on science taking place, view technology which is used to do world class marine science and meet the scientists and crew who do it. They will also be able to watch film footage from some of the most recent missions.
Precision instruments such as RRS Discovery, and FAAM aircraft (Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements) enable scientists to conduct research that affects our everyday lives; expanding our understanding of the environment, informing policy and helping us solve some of the biggest environmental issues facing us, such as air pollution, flooding and extreme weather.
RRS Discovery’s science team will be using a variety of sonar instruments to survey the seabed en route to its event with the public in Liverpool.
NERC’s associate director of communications & engagement, Julia Maddock, said: “We are bringing our state-of-the-art, world-leading 100-metre-long research vessel, RRS Discovery, to Liverpool and we will be giving tours to demonstrate some of the environmental research she’s involved in using the unique marine science equipment she has onboard.
“Come and have a look around while she’s here and see the kit our scientists use for weather research, deep-sea research, and more, as well as underwater robots.”
There will also be a range of exhibitions and talks taking place on board the ship, including the history of Liverpool tidal prediction and how the new species of Hoff crab was discovered in the deepest hydrothermal vents. Scientist Paul Bell will also show the data collected as the ship sailed from Southampton to Liverpool and explain what it looks like and what it can tell experts about the ocean and seabed.
There will be hands on experiments investigating the effects of pressure in the ocean, how to see through muddy water using a mini laser and a tool that can show visitors areas that may be flooded due to rising sea levels.
NERC’s Into the blue showcase, is a series of events taking place across the North West throughout October 2016, which celebrate the environmental science we live and breathe.
Into the Blue comprises nine days of events taking place in Liverpool and Manchester, including exhibitions, presentations, debates and demonstrations.
The FAAM aircraft will be on show at Manchester Airport from October 25-29 where visitors will be able to see the specially adapted BAe 146-301 aircraft, which is the UK’s front line for investigating air pollution, weather patterns and cloud formations.
Free tickets for tours of the vessel in Liverpool are available here.
