Our Scholars enjoyed an unforgettable journey into space when Dr Peter Swift from Durham University delivered an inspiring Astrophysics lecture—broadcast live from inside a planetarium set up at Southmoor. Students were completely absorbed as Dr Swift explored the wonders of our planetary system, explaining how planets are measured, what they are made of, and just how vast the universe truly is with its countless galaxies.

He also revealed what the night sky above Durham would look like without the effects of light pollution, helping students understand why stars appear in different colours and how it can take up to 15 years for the light from a collapsing red star to reach Earth. Throughout the session, Dr Swift sparked curiosity and encouraged deep thinking, prompting students to ask thoughtful and challenging questions.