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Reaching for the stars in Yorkshire

Reaching for the stars in Yorkshire

Blue Skies students explored the wonders of the Universe with their patron, Professor Brian Cox.

Professor Brian Cox inspired fifteen Blue Skies students aged 13 and 14 from York High school with the wonders of the universe at RAF Fylingdales on Thursday 30th April.

The students had a fascinating introduction to space by Professor Cox and heard about how he decided to change his career from a musician to a scientist.

The students worked with Brian to build and launch water rockets which travelled over 50 metres.

After lunch the group experienced a behind the scenes tour of the radar facilities, learning about Fylingdales’ vital role in providing warning of a ballistic missile launch. Blue Skies students then moved into the operations room where they tracked satellites.

Professor Brian Cox said of his experience: ‘The most important thing that the Jon Egging Trust does is to show young people that there are possibilities out there and people who want to help them and that they can do it if they want. We are talking about young people who have low aspirations and low self-confidence – not through any fault of their own – that is just the life they have lived up to 13 or 14 years of age. The challenge is to remove those low aspirations and replace them with high aspirations and a sense of possibility and that is what the Jon Egging Trust does’

Kalan aged 13, said of his experience of meeting Professor Cox: ‘I felt privileged and a bit scared inside because I didn’t know what he was going to say, but it was really good and it made me feel really good about myself talking to someone who is so professional’ .

The Yorkshire Blue Skies students graduate from their level one programme in June.