Local people are invited to put on 3D glasses to explore the wonders of meteorites from Mars, ancient Egyptian mummies, Neanderthals, extinct spiders and fine works of art, in a free public lecture at the University of Bath (Wednesday 3 March).
Dr Richard Abel, microtomography specialist at The Natural History Museum London, will be giving 3D glasses to the audience to enable them to bring to life images of rare and fascinating specimens being studied at the museum using a new high-tech X-ray scanner.
Dr Abel, based in the Mineralogy Department, said: “The Natural History Museum curates 70 million natural science specimens. Aside from their obvious scientific value, many of the specimens also have great historical value, such as those collected by Charles Darwin. Consequently some specimens are irreplaceable and their destruction as part of a research programme is rarely allowed.
“X-Ray scanning is revolutionising the study of the natural world. The instrument produces virtual 3D models of objects which can be virtually dissected and analysed on a computer in the same way that the original specimen might be dissected. However, the process is entirely non-destructive, thereby preserving the collections for future generations.”
Research at the museum focuses on the identification, classification, conservation and evolution of preserved specimens, as well as the study of minerals and earth processes.
Scanning nature with a pair of 3D specs will be held at the University of Bath Claverton campus in 3 West North 2.1 at 5.15pm. No need to book tickets in advance. For more information please contact Dr Jonathan Cox