Page 24 - World Airnews Magazine March 2021

NEWS

ARMCHAIR AURORA

uilding on the success of Armchair air-
Bshow, Aerobility, the UK’s leading disabled
flying charity, joined by impressionist Jon Culshaw

and astronomer Pete Lawrence, plus a host of as-

tronomers, scientists, aviators and artists an hour

long, live-streamed Armchair Aurora event will

take place on March 13th at 18:00 (UK time).

The free to attend event will be livestreamed
via armchairaurora.com and will take viewers
on a journey of wonder from their armchairs
into the skies.
Bringing together spectacular Aurora footage,

interviews and Q&A with scientists, there will

be insights on polar aviation and the work-
ings of the Aurora, all beamed to living rooms
around the UK and worldwide.
“This event is just one example of how we
continue to support the disabled community

and continue to inspire ability through aviation

during lockdown, while aircraft are grounded.
If I were to describe what it will be like, I would
say, think ‘Spring Watch meets the Sky at
Night’, said Aerobility CEO, Mike Miller-Smith.
Expert speakers will include:

• Pete Lawrence, the British amateur astron-

omer best known for his popularisation of
astronomy on the BBC's The Sky at Night
with Sir Patrick Moore.

• Nigel Meredith: Space Weather Scientist,

British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
• Rod Arnold: Head of Air Unit, BAS.
Viewers will be invited to submit questions to

the experts during the event. To round off the
evening, the event will conclude with a ‘Sounds
of Space’ music extravaganza, delivering 30
minutes of tranquillity and beauty to viewers,
with aurora footage accompanied by appropri-
ately ambient music.
Miller-Smith said, “Armchair Aurora is part of
our response to the impact of Covid-19.
Our hope is that the aviation industry, which

has been fantastic in its support of disabled

flying, along with others, will find a way to step
forward again to sponsor and support the event,
so that we can continue to provide disabled

flying when we come out of lockdown. Other
donations during the event will be encouraged

and anyone wishing to support the cause can do
so via the website: www.aerobility.com/donate”
Culshaw said the event promises to be an
escape from lockdown for anybody of any age.
“What a great idea to bring the magic of the
Aurora in to living-rooms across the country. I’m so
pleased to be involved and to support such a great

cause at the same time,” said Pete Lawrence.
A limited number of sponsorship opportuni-

ties are still available. Please contact marcus@

aerobility.com for more details or visit www.
Jon Culshaw Pete Lawrence aerobility.com/armchairaurora. Q
World Airnews | March 2021
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