Above us only stars

A new project combining cutting edge astronomy with performance art was premiered at the European Week of Astronomy & Space Science (EWASS), organised by the European Astronomical Society and the Royal Astronomical Society in Liverpool on 3rd April.

The performance piece was developed by arts collective Operation Lightfoot in collaboration with LJMU’s Astrophysics Research Institute. The creative team also included students from the creative writing, audio production and dance departments.

It consists of a number of smaller pieces, each themed on a particular aspect of the research done at the Astrophysics Research Institute. This includes facilitating the robotic operation of the Liverpool Telescope located in La Palma, developing a clearer understanding of star and galaxy formation, and even applying techniques used in astronomy to improve wildlife conservation.

Dr Helen Jermak, Project Scientist for the New Robotic Telescope, said:

“It has been incredibly interesting to work with a variety of different departments within LJMU to communicate our research in different ways. This has been a fun collaboration to be a part of with many staff and students across LJMU working together to create an exciting and engaging performance."

Luke Moore - Composer & Artistic Director, Operation Lightfoot said:

"The researchers, staff and students at the Astrophysics Research Institute have been an absolute pleasure to work with so far and I'm excited to share the results with them in the performance. Operation Lightfoot are also really pleased to be providing the opportunity for several students from LJMU to work alongside our professional lead artists on some of the dance, creative writing, film and audio production elements of the piece".

EWASS opened on 3rd April and the programme a number of public events throughout the week