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Not for profit website/blog on astronomy, space and my writing

New Book : Yuri Gagarin in Manchester and London

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Yuri Gagarin in London and Manchester

A Smile that Changed the World?

The story of the World’s first spaceman’s five days in the UK 11th – 15th July 1961

The first human spaceflight on 12th April 1961 shocked the West and made cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin the most famous person on the planet.  As one of civilisation’s seminal accomplishments it was borne out of technology designed for weapons of mass destruction.

Following the launch of Sputnik in 1957, the Soviets charged headlong into the exploration of the Moon, Venus and Mars, demonstrating and honing their weapons of war in the name of science.

Three months after his flight, still the only person to have been in Earth orbit, he came to Britain.  Declassified confidential and secret government documents reveal for the first time the frantic diplomatic efforts to achieve a balance between celebrating one of humanity’s greatest achievements whilst grappling with the political dynamite of the unprecedented propaganda opportunity of a Soviet air force Major’s success being celebrated first by the Prime Minister and then by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Chronicled for the first time in these pages are the personal recollections, including never before published pictures, from people in Manchester and London of the impact of this handsome, charismatic cosmonaut who captured the hearts of ordinary working people in Britain. This unassuming diminutive Major with an engaging permanent smile brought hope to a world at the brink of thermonuclear war. For many in Britain during the coldest days of the Cold War, this cosmonaut was the only Russian they would ever see.

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Purchase online here.

Book reviews on Amazon and  Beyond Moon & Mars blog .

Yuri Gagarin in London and Manchester
185 Pages, 27 Illustrations
ISBN 978-0-9569337-0-6
Paperback £10.00 (+postage) and eBook (iPad and Kindle) £2.50 available from publications@astrotalkuk.org
Download a pdf   of  the page of contents, Chapter 2 “An Uneasy Invitation” and the text above or all three in a zip file.

Gagarin Exhibition – Royal Albert Hall 9th June – 4th July

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Poyekhali! Yuri Gagarin & The Dawn of Space Exploration

Photo Exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall

9th June – 4th July  at the Royal Albert Hall

This exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of Gagarin’s spaceflight is hosted in the world-renowned venue in the heart of London. It is organised by Russia’s leading news agency RIA Novosti in collaboration with Science Photo Library.

The exhibition is already open and runs through until July 4th. For one of the most photographed man in his time, this exhibition includes some photos never before seen in public.

If you are going to the Royal Albert Hall for another event between 9th June and 4th July, you can see the exhibition whilst you are there. If not there are three slots specifically designated for the exhibition – for free.

Saturday 25th June: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Saturday   2nd July: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Sunday      3rd July: 11.00am to 3.00pm

There is also a rare talk about Gagarin from Piers Bizony, one of the  joint authors of probably the most popular biography of Yuri Gagarin :  Starman. The truth behind the Legend of Yuri Gagarin

The First Man In Space… And The Man Who Put Him There by Piers Bizony
18:30 on Sunday 26th June

The talk will cost £10.00 and includes a glass of wine and I hope some non-alcoholic alternatives too. The talk is also at the Royal Albert Hall and will include an opportunity for a private viewing of the exhibition for those attending the talk.

Episode 44: 15th May 2011: First Orbit and Manchester’s Yuri Gagarin Exhibition

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Another Yuri Gagarin episode, I know the anniversary of the world’s first spaceflight is over but there is still lots going on over the next few months. There are two contributors in this episode, Chris Riley and Richard Evans.

One of the most successful projects to mark the anniversary is the film First Orbit. The only camera aboard Vostok 1 was on the inside, transmitting live pictures of Gagarin’s face to the nervous engineers who anxiously monitored mankind’s first experience of spaceflight. First Orbit is a remarkably accurate recreation of what Gagarin would have seen compiled from high definition video shot from the space station. Astonishingly, this undertaking of international proportions, was put together by numerous unpaid volunteers and almost three million who have seen it, saw it for free.  It is still available for viewing online and for download – still free. If you want to make a contribution and have a smart phone (Android or Iphone) the First Orbit app will set you back about 70 pence.

First Orbit was produced and directed by Chris Riley along with many other volunteers. Chances are you have already seen the film. Also available from firstorbit.org website is a short but  facinating video about the making of First Orbit.  Chris Riley talks about his next project “Orbit” but begins with how the idea of First Orbit came about.

Yuri Gagarin was in Britain for 5 days, he spent the second one, Wednesday 12th July 1961, in Manchester.  A major in the Soviet Air Force he started off his career as foundryman.  During his six hours in the city, he visited the head quarters of the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers in Old Trafford, the Metropolitan Vickers Engineering plant in Trafford Park and concluded with a civic reception in Manchester Town Hall.

The only event in Manchester to mark the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s vist  is an exhibition at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale running through until 17th August 2011. The exhibition and program of events have been driven by the science fiction author Richard Evans. He talks about the exhibitiion but starts with his current writing project.

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Today’s quote is from Yuri Gagarin asserting his working class roots during his Manchester visit.

“Although I am doing a different job now, I am still a foundry worker at heart”

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http://www.firstorbit.org/how-we-made-the-film

Space Shuttle Launch from the UK?

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Want to see Shuttle launch from the UK without leaving home?

OK, its not quiet the launch but it is not long after. A coincidence of timing today is just right for an unusual view of the Space Shuttle Endeavor’s last ever flight. About half an hour after the Sun sets in the UK, Endeavor will takes off from Florida and heads our way.

For  short period after the sunset in the UK, it is still shinning on the shuttle a 130 miles up where has just arrived in obit and the Shuttle’s separated huge fuel tank is still on its way back for a splash down in the Indian ocean.

Conveniently, today the Sun sets at 20:20 in London and the night begins. The shuttle launches at 20:47 and about 20 minutes later, Endeavor and its huge fuel tank  should be visible over the UK as two bright Space-Station-like objects moving across the the night sky.  Should see something like this as filmed by Adrian West from Newbury AS.

All times are in BST. I have made the arrangements with NASA, there will be no delays and with the higher authorities  – the sky will be clear where ever you are:)