Abingdon astronomical society are holding an observing event to watch Mercury crossing the face of the Sun. The transit starts at 12:12BST and ends at 19:40BST on 9th May 2016.

Abingdon Astronomical Society will have a number of specialist telescopes for viewing the Sun, giving you several different views of our nearest star. So do go and join members of the society at the Abingdon United Football and Social Club on Northcourt Road to enjoy this rare astronomical event. In the event of bad weather there will be no observing, so please check their website www.abingdonastro.org.uk/aas_blog in case of cancellation.

(Picture taken at Clubs and Societies Day of the Abingdon Astronomical Society stall with Mercury transit image superimposed)

The ATOM Science Fair took over the Market Place from 10am to 4pm.

Children were enthralled by the wonders of Science. This particular stall was run by Siemans who make MRI Scanners near Eynsham.

Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science Park were also there, as were exhibitors from Culham Science Centre.

Then there were a number of stalls run by the NHS, Oxford University, and other organisations doing medical research.

I am told next year will be even bigger as ATOM becomes even more an important part of the Oxford Science Festival, with sponsorship for a paid coordinator.

P.S There was a stall selling armbands for Music in the Park. They do have a habit of selling out, so better late than never.

Yesterday, throughout the day, there was the Visualise Show in the Guildhall, and Science on the Market Place as part of ATOM (Abingdon’s first Science festival).

The day began early for some, and Iain emailed me this picture asking “How many particle physicists does it take to erect a gazebo?”

His children liked the stall where you dip a tissue into water and it comes out dry – but were not sure if it was science or magic.

There was lots more to inspire curiosity and wonder in children,

and amaze adults. This is Steve King generating enough pedal power to run a computer and monitor.

Dr Mike Leary’s ZooBus was very popular,

and had queues all day to see the creatures and hear the enthusiastic Dr Leary and helpers.

Who would have thought that Science would be such hit in Abingdon (the oldest town in the kingdom)?

The idea for these Science events came from James White (pictured) who when he stood down as chair of the Choose Abingdon Partnership, two years ago, thought that creating a Science Festival in Abingdon would be good for the town. He was signing up new Atom Members all weekend.

More pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook Page ..