A COSMOLOGIST who has helped to capture stunning images of far-flung galaxies spoke to aspiring space scientists in Banbury.

Dr Chris Pearson, who works for RAL Space on the Harwell Oxford campus, addressed students and visitors at Space Studio Banbury, a new secondary school for 14 to 18-year-olds interested in science, maths, engineering and space.

Dr Pearson said: "Space is a great hook to get young people interested in science.

"That scientific curiosity can lead them to all sorts of different fields."

The talk on Thursday, which explored questions including ‘what does the universe contain?’ and ‘how are galaxies, stars and planets formed?’, was met with an eager reception.

Dr Pearson said: "It usually gets a very enthusiastic response – it’s great.

"Everyone loves to hear about space. Space and dinosaurs!"

Dr Pearson’s presentation contained images of galaxies and nebulas taken using the SPIRE infrared ‘camera’ that allows scientists to explore remote reaches of the cosmos.

Dr Pearson spoke at the school’s Open Observatory Evening, in which visitors were invited to handle lunar soils, take part in space-themed engineering challenges, and observe the night sky through the school’s observatory telescope.

Hayley Smith, assistant headteacher at the school in Ruskin Road, said: "We decided to organise the events because we have found space is a really inspirational context that helps to get people interested in science.

"Here at the Space Studio we work to promote the study of STEM subjects and we have found that these public events are a great way to inspire our students and connect with the local community."

Alli Templeton attended the evening with her daughter, Maddie, who wants to be an astrophysicist.

Ms Templeton said: "We come to the open days every time. Maddie is hoping to attend the school when she’s old enough.

"It’s so important to make science accessible for young people.

"It wasn't when I was a child, but now there’s so many more opportunities to get involved."

Ms Smith explains that the events, which regularly include a visiting speaker who works in the space industry, are designed to provide young people with the opportunity to meet people "working in the types of careers that they might be aspiring to”, giving them “a better idea of what's out there for them in the future".

Dr Pearson said: "Getting kids into science at a young age is key. I do a lot of outreach in schools and I think it’s important to talk to children about the sort of things that you can do as a scientist."

To find out more about Space Studio Banbury visit spacestudiobanbury.org