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Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Scotsman
Scottish physicist to turn cosmic rays into music for Fringe performance
The muonophone turns cosmic rays into music Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A physicist from the University of Glasgow has teamed up with an artist to turn cosmic rays into music for a series of performances during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Dr David Mahon has partnered with Lomond Campbell, an artist who makes music using self-built instruments, to create a unique instrument called the muonophone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The muonophone builds on Dr Mahon's research in the field of muography, which uses measurements of particles called muons to create detailed 3D pictures of the interiors of structures. Muons are generated when cosmic rays from space collide with the Earth's atmosphere and are showered across the planet's surface. Devices called muon detectors can pick up the presence of muons as they pass harmlessly through materials. The instrument, designed and hand-built by Mr Campbell, uses muon detectors to make music in a live setting. The instrument reacts in real time to the detection of muons to trigger pre-prepared sounds and visualisations. As the muonophone's outputs are shaped by the cosmic rays, Campbell plays live keyboard parts to accompany the machine's soundscapes. The muonophone will be showcased during two events as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase in Edinburgh during the month of August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Mahon, of the University of Glasgow's School of Physics and Astronomy, said: 'I've been working on muon-related research at the University for more than 15 years now, finding new ways to harness cosmic rays to see inside objects. 'A University spinout company, called Lynkeos Technology, is now using muography to provide industry with detailed 3D images of the interiors of structures which are impossible to create using other methods. 'Working with Lomond to expand the scope of that research, generating sound alongside images while he plays along with cosmic rays, has been a fantastic experience. I'm looking forward to seeing how audiences engage with the Muonophone during the performances and the installation during the month of August.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A week-long series of live performances called MŮO built around the audiovisual output of the muonophone and featuring a series of special guests will be held at the French Institute in Edinburgh from Friday 1 August. Mr Campbell said: 'When approached by The University of Glasgow to work with their muon detecting technology I jumped on it. There is a score being constantly written by the nuclear activity of the cosmos and with muon detectors we can listen in to that and then interpret it sonically and visually. 'I find that whole concept stirring and want MŮO to instil that same sense of wonder in people who come to experience the live performances and the installation. What began as an idea to make an instrument called The Muonophone, has grown into a fully immersive audiovisual experience called MŮO, thanks to support from Made In Scotland, Sonica Glasgow and The French Institute.' Once the live performances end, visitors to the French Institute will be able to see the instrument for themselves at a MŮO installation running from from 8 to 25 August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad


BBC News
12 hours ago
- BBC News
Sheffield gets funding boost for green jet fuel research
The University of Sheffield will receive a share of government funding to boost its research into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).The Translational Energy Centre is to receive £1.5m of the £63m funding package, which is being shared with 16 other UK groups working in SAF research and is an alternative to fossil jet fuel which reduces carbon emissions on average by 70%, according to the Department for Minister Mike Kane said: "From the labs of Sheffield to the runways of the future, this is how we kickstart economic growth, secure energy independence and make Britain a clean energy superpower." He said it was "absolutely critical" to decarbonise aviation - even though it currently only contributed to a small proportion of the country's transport pollution."The University of Sheffield has one of the leading research and development institutes in this area - it's so innovative," he said."I've been well impressed, as they would say in Manchester," the Wythenshawe MP added. Mohamed Pourkashanian, Professor of Energy Engineering and Head of the Energy Innovation Centre, said he was "delighted" by the Pourkashanian said: "More importantly, it is a clear indication of the UK government's commitment to both the environment and energy security."He said one of the main challenges for researchers was to negate the cost of SAF, which is more expensive than using fossil jet method being trialled is to capture carbon emissions created by other industrial processes, which can then be converted into said the next-generation technology being explored could reduce the price of producing SAF by "a minimum of 20%".Prof Pourkashanian said the team hoped Sheffield would be recognised at an international level, which would encourage companies to invest in the region's production of SAF and create local jobs. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.


Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
How to spot peregrine falcons in Glasgow as experts share tips on seeing birds of prey
The Glasgow Peregrine Project have been monitoring the popular pair Bonnie and Clyde. One of Glasgow's most heartwarming wildlife stories continues to captivate the city. Peregrine falcons Bonnie and Clyde, along with their surviving chick Victor, are beginning to work up quite a following. The birds of prey have been monitored closely by the Glasgow Peregrine Project, who hosted public watch sessions at the University of Glasgow this year. Through a mix of live viewing opportunities and engaging social media updates, the team have helped the public follow the birds' lives from mating through to hatching and early flights, Glasgow Live reports. The Peregrine Watches are now over for the season and the striking pair are venturing beyond their nest site at the university's iconic Gilbert Scott Building. But interest in the raptors remains strong, so the project team has encouraged the public to continue spotting and reporting any sightings as the birds explore more of Glasgow. 'Our peregrine family have been venturing into the city centre. This marks a new phase of the peregrine study,' the Glasgow Peregrine Project wrote on social media. 'Monitoring where they go and why, along with what they eat, is really important stuff. Prey assessments continue and ranging behaviour is closely monitored. "There are a few sites where peregrines from outwith the city appear and take up winter territories. It will be fascinating to see how this picture unfolds as the year progresses.' The birds are still being observed by the project team, but they are now calling on the public to help keep track of their movements. They said: 'Your records are really important to help build a picture of their movements and how they use the city. Every record is really appreciated!' To assist in identifying the peregrines, the team has offered some tips. Bonnie, the female, is ringed, which means 'she has a colour ring on her left leg L7 and the right leg a silver BTO ring." The team added: "During prolonged perching, these rings can often be obscured by the breast, belly and flank feathers. Patience is required while waiting for a leg stretch or move of position,' they explained. 'Bonnie is a full adult, typically plumaged large female. Her dark moustache contrasts nicely with her white cheeks.' Clyde, the male, is unringed, which makes his plumage markings essential for identification. The team said: "His head markings are unusual with two very clear rusty brown patches on his nape. 'The colouring on his cheeks is not typical either. Instead of the crisp black moustache and white cheeks, his cheeks are diffused with warm brown.' Their chick, Victor, can be identified by an orange colour ring on his left leg marked 34R, along with a silver BTO ring on the right leg. Anyone who spots the birds, either with the naked eye or using binoculars, is encouraged to take a photo and send it to the Glasgow Peregrine Project, helping the team track their hunting grounds and behaviour across the city. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The licensed project team expressed their gratitude for the continued support from the public. They said: 'We are always struck by the positivity and warmth from all who attend. "This year, thousands of folk from all four corners of the earth visited. It's such an inspirational environment and we loved meeting you all and making new friends. 'From the team, thank you for taking time out of your day to come and say hello and marvel at our wonderful Peregrines. To you all, we really appreciate your support in creating something special for the city.' For updates and identification guides, the Glasgow Peregrine Project can be followed on Instagram at @