Wednesday 30 October 2013

Atmospheric Effects

Captured these pics of the Moon and Sun recently (not in the UK, where objects like the Sun are rarely sighted these days!!!)

I think the Sun picture nicely shows how the inside of a rainbow is darker, as discussed recently by Professor Merrifield on Sixty Symbols.



Tuesday 29 October 2013

Professor Samuel

Here is seven-year-old Samuel, from Alabama, dressed as Professor Poliakoff.

His mother told us Samuel "loves your videos and was inspired to be Martyn for Halloween... Keep up the great work of inspiring the next generation of scientists".

The Professor described Samuel's outfit as "brilliant".



Wednesday 9 October 2013

Nobel Prizes of 2013

It has become bit of a tradition for us to post videos very quickly on the day of the physics and chemistry Nobel Prizes.

It's normally a crazy day for me - rushing to post detailed videos within a few hours of the announcements.

In fact I think one of Professor Poliakoff's favourite days of the year is me filming him as he watches online and reacts immediately.

Unfortunately this was not possible this year - I have flown to San Francisco for a conference at YouTube.

We will try to catch up when I get back, although it might take a little while due to other commitments.

Of course, this year's physics prize was awarded for the Higgs Boson, which we have covered in great detail on Sixty Symbols... Here are just some of our videos already:







The chemistry prize looks like largely unchartered territory for periodicvideos, but Professor Poliakoff has already been in touch and promised to speak about it. Other members of the team may also contribute.

Finally, here are our Nobel Prize videos from previous years to keep you occupied.

2012





2011





2010





2009





2008



OTHER NOBEL VIDS



Friday 4 October 2013

A message about the VLT in real time

Certainly one of the best things about my "job" is receiving nice messages and emails from viewers.

This one from a viewer called Steve was especially nice, as it was responding to a recent Deep Sky Video which was rather experimental!

Hi Brady, 

I've just watched your video of the VLT opening in real time

Can I just say that this is one of the most beautiful and spine tingling videos I've ever watched. The fact that it shows in real time what's happening gives me a feeling, that no 'normal' documentary ever can, of what it's like to actually be there. 

As a science geek, I love hearing about the details of these telescopes: about the engineering and the awe-inspiring work that they do and I'm spoilt for choice of documentaries about such things. 

But as a human being it's a rare feeling (albeit via youtube) to actually be there. 

I'm a huge fan of all the documentaries that you've done but this one is something else. I'm actually quite envious of what you do and this video really captures the magic of what I guess you must feel when you're there. 

Keep up the great work!!! 

Steve

Thanks Steve... And here's the video: