Being Human is the UK’s only national festival of the humanities; it runs across the country from November 17th-25th 2016. Durham University is host to two events, organised under the aegis of the Ordered Universe Research Project with the support the Institute of Advanced Studies, the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, the Institute of Computational Cosmology, the Centre for Catholic Studies and the Michael Ramsey Centre for Anglican Studies, and Durham Cathedral. The two events are grouped under the title Heaven’s Above! and take place on Friday 18th November and Saturday 19th November. Both explore the fascination that the universe holds for human culture, from the ancient world to the modern-day. All events for Being Human are Free of Charge, but ticketed – see below events for details on booking.
Medieval Time Reckoning and the Dating of Easter
Fri 18 November 2016: 14:00 – 16:00
Durham Cathedral
Take a tour through the fascinating world of medieval time calculation. Find out how the calendar was structured, and time and life were organised in the Middle Ages, in a public talk and discussion in Durham Cathedral. Dr Philipp Nothaft from All Souls College, University of Oxford, will explore medieval star-craft, and the science of time-reckoning, including the dating of Easter. The details of medieval mathematics and the beautiful diagrams in which they were presented, and the long-running arguments over how best to tell the time will all be brought to life. The talk and discussion will take place from 14.00-16.00.
To book your ticket use the Eventbrite online system – click this link
Heaven’s Above! – Interactive Exhibition
Sat 19 November 2016: 11.00-18.00
Pemberton Lecture Rooms, Durham University, Palace Green, Durham
Come and experience the universe! Hands-on activities for all ages, multi-media presentations, poster exhibitions, artwork and installations, will showcase human understanding of the universe, in the western tradition, from the ancient world to the modern-day. From Babylonian Astronomy to the medieval theories of sight, colour and astronomy; from Renaissance star-gazing to 18th century optical experiments, a blow-up planetarium, and a 3D fly-through modern galaxy-modelling in Occulus Rift technology. Engage with artistic collaboration with research into medieval and modern science: film, drawings, glasswork and projections and make your own astrolabe. Re-enactors will guide you to the past and through the event. Short talks on the hour will feature the exhibitors and the day finishes with a question and answer plenary with a modern scientist and a medieval historian.
To book your ticket use the Eventbrite online system – click this link
Being Human is sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, UK, The British Academy and the School of Advanced Studies, University of London. Additional local support for these events is provided by Durham University Institute of Advanced Study, Ordered Universe, Durham Cathedral and all of the exhibitors.