Science Learning Centre: Imagining Aurora
In 2004 Durham University was selected to be part of a £51m initiative developed by the Department for Education and Skills and the Wellcome Trust to create a national network of Science Learning Centres.
Commissioned as part of the new development ‘Imagining Aurora’ was created as an inter-active suspended piece, that moves in a coordinated way through the use of magnets and electro-magnets. Human movement near the piece is sensed and depending on the location of the human, one of the electro-magnets is energised, affecting the surround magnets which then affect those around them until a pulse type effect is produced through the balls and blades turning and varying in colour. The amount of movement is related to the activity of the sun at the precise moment of activation. This level is monitored continually by a radio receiver at the centre supplied by NASA as part of their educational outreach programme.
Slideshow
Image courtesy of Henry Amos
Artist(s)
Henry Amos.
Client
Durham University
Location
Durham
Project Management
Durham University
Completion Date
2005
