Cosmic Chronicles: Modern astronomy seen through stories from history and culture

The rationale for the project comes from the extraordinary success of the once-in-a-lifetime visit of the SUN and our determination not to lose what has been gained by it. Therefore, the overall aims of the project are to:

- Put on a programme of events keeping up the spirit of the SUN by drawing in audiences for wonder and delight, using the two deep SUN strengths - astronomy research and cultural links.

- Target the many people and schools who came to the SUN Installation last year and give them a follow-up with installations, events and activities throughout the seven days Festival this year (Thursday 5 to Wednesday 11 September 2024).

- Show how the cutting-edge of astronomy research can be linked to direct historical and cultural aspects of life and the ability to look deeper and ask questions. - Build further on the enrichment of science capital for schools and community for the longer term. These will be delivered by:

1. Developing and delivering in dialogue with individuals and institutions a mix of themed installations, activities, workshops and talks - a centrepiece for this year's programme 2. Putting together specific packages for schools visits, particularly from the outer islands

3. Building on the very successful support of the energy and technology companies for the SUN, to bring them to support for this new package of events and links with festival and community

The underlying background is Orkney's geographical remoteness - and its tradition of tackling this by creating its own solutions. This has led Orcadians to open up world-renowned archaeological excavations and build a renewable energy industry testing new wave and tidal technology and pioneering hydrogen for transport - and to develop a range of distinctive festivals.

Orkney's tradition of backing innovation led to the development of OISF in 1991 with strong support from the Islands Council and community. To thrive, the Festival had to do things in style, continually innovating with ideas and partnerships. It aims to create a feeling of wonder, to bring in people of all ages for whom science seems distant from daily life, and then bring them back to explore more.

Last year SUN in St Magnus Cathedral provided that sense of wonder, around which we built activities on solar and stellar topics. Astronomy has been a strong theme since our earliest years, when the late Archie E. Roy, professor of astronomy at Glasgow University, travelled around the islands with talks.

The overall impact we aim for is:

- Increase the understanding of astronomy and its advancement through the interactive installations and displays, i.e., "Gravity Synth", "An Imperfect Account of a Comet" and RAS bicentennial quilt.

- Increase audience engagement and participation, especially with families and young people by simplifying complex topics such as gravitational waves and historic astronomical events. - Enhance understanding of historical and contemporary astronomical tools through hand-on workshops.

- Increase knowledge of historical significance/advancements in astronomy by showcasing local context such as excavations at the Ness of Brodgar and outings to Ring of Brodgar and linking local folklore with cosmic occurrences.

- Enhance observational and interpretive skills of public audience in astronomy through creative ways of combining art, music and science.

- Increased enthusiasm in astronomy-related careers by engaging with inspirational presenters and role models and and showcasing cutting-edge scientific research