The universe is waiting to be discovered and as part of National Science Week, Bundaberg Library will take you on a trip through our solar system.
The library has joined OzGrav and Swinburne University for their event on 22 August, which features a livestream astronomy viewing.
That viewing is made even more realistic due to a VR app component that connects to your smartphone.
Bundaberg Youth Services Librarian, Jaala Beauchamp, said the library can only cater to a few people due to COVID restrictions, but that by downloading the SciVR app, everyone can participate.
“Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are only able to accommodate a few people to attend the session on Saturday at the library,” she said.
“However that means others have the opportunity to enter the competition to host their own livestream session at home with a free mini VR headset that clips onto their smartphone.”
National Science Week runs to 23 August.
It’s an annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss important topics, learn about science and celebrate its cultural and economic impact on society, from art to astrophysics, chemistry to climate change.
While the live viewing will be held at Bundaberg Regional Library on 22 August, there are 20 portable headsets available for people to take home.
Participants who are booked into the 22 August event will be provided with a free mini VR attachment, however, if you cannot attend that session you are invited to enter the competition to win your own.
“Lucky winners will receive a free foldable SciVR headset to sit on their smartphone and can then enjoy the free SciVR app and join the Friday or Saturday live stream events that takes place on online at https://www.scivr.com.au,” Jaala said.
Bundaberg Regional Library is the only library in Queensland that had partnered with SciVR and Swinburne University to offer this opportunity.
“We value curiosity in the library and thanks to this we’re one of the only libraries in Queensland involved in this,” Jaala said.
“We really want to encourage curiosity in finding information that you’re interested in, not just because you have to, but because you want to.”
To enter the competition click here, or to book visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3442136272476571/
This National Science Week project is supported by the Australian Government.
