Science, Innovation and Technology Committee UK Astronomy Inquiry 2023-24

The UK’s sky at night: Committee heard how amateur astronomers can help advanced sciences 

At the outset of this inquiry the SITC heard how British amateur astronomers have produced some of the best images of space in the world, and in this third session of the Committee’s inquiry on astronomy in the UK we heard how engaging people with astronomy can bring wide benefits for advanced science, including increasing diversity in the field. The Open University has noted how “innovative use of citizen science projects” is maximising scientific discovery and points to the involvement of citizen scientists to locate the rare carbonaceous chondrite meteorite that fell in the Cotswolds at Winchcombe in 2021. This included the contribution of UK Fireball Alliance—a collaboration of camera networks that aims to record meteors and fireballs and recover freshly fallen meteorites in the UK. 

Featuring two presenters of The Sky at Night - the BBC’s iconic TV series “exploring space science and the incredible universe all around us” -  the Committee investigated the role of “citizen science” in UK astronomy, including the role of science communicators, educational outreach and amateur astronomy groups.  

What role can this interest in space and engagement play in increasing diversity and inclusion across astronomy and the wider STEM sector?  

https://committees.parliament.uk/event/21283/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/