Astronomer, science communicator and author Steve Owens has been appointed Executive Director of Scottish cosmology-themed artland Crawick Multiverse.
Steve – who wrote ‘Stargazing for Dummies’ and pens monthly ‘Universe for Beginners’ articles in Astronomy Now Magazine – takes up the post after two years running Glasgow Science Centre’s planetarium.
He was also instrumental in establishing the Europe’s first International Dark Sky Park in Dumfries & Galloway, sat on the Dark Sky Discovery steering group and has helped five other sites in the UK become International Dark Sky Places.
In his new role as Executive Director of the Crawick Multiverse, which was created by the world-renowned Charles Jencks, he has been tasked with exploring creative ways to reach out to a diverse audience to raise even more awareness of this iconic site.
This will include devising an exciting programme of activities themed around astronomical highlights, from stargazing to meteor showers like December’s Geminids.
He said: “Ultimately what attracted me to this role at Crawick Multiverse is the fact it’s truly unique. Nowhere else can you get involved in such an iconic art landscape by such an eminent figure so it’s hugely exciting to me.
“I have been so impressed by the site and how much interest it has attracted to-date. I now want to enhance what’s on offer, build on its success and shape and sculpt a programme that will make it even more attractive to people with a broad range of interests, from science and astronomy to arts and culture.”
The new programme of activities will be announced in the coming weeks.
In the longer term Steve also plans to explore the site’s potential for hosting an array of larger scale events.
Keep track of what’s happening at Crawick Multiverse on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crawickmultiverse, check out @CMVerse on Twitter or #CrawickMultiverse on Instagram.
Group visits can also be organised by calling 01659 50242 or emailing info@crawickmultiverse.co.uk.
