by Gerry Warren

gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk

Science students at Simon Langton Boys Grammar School are finding inspiration from the night skies through the school’s new Star Centre which was opened last week.

The unique observatory, which includes three state of the art science labs, cost £1.3 million.

But the work the students are producing is already adding to the knowledge of international space studies.

The official opening was performed by Kent County Council Paul Carter but among the guests was NASA astronaut Robert Shane Kimbrough who flew over from Houston especially for the event.

Another special guest was Professor Steven Rose of Imperial College who has been working with the students on various projects.

The Star Centre has been up and running for several months and its public observing days days, organised with the South East Kent Astronomical Society, have proved incredibly popular with hundreds of visitors keen to study the night sky.

Assistant head teacher Ken Moffat said: “We were delighted to welcome so many special guests and it is a mark of the high standard of research our students are doing.

“The Langton Star Centre’s aim is to inspire students in the sciences by giving them opportunities to work alongside scientists and engineers and take part in authentic research projects.”

The public observing nights take place on the first Friday of the month and are open to all ages.

Visitors can study Jupiter and its moons and deep space galaxies millions of light years away.