Leading expert to lead free event ‘A Comet at Christmas’ in Preston
People are being invited to consider the importance of comets at a free event in Preston. The latest Jeremiah Horrocks Institute Public Lecture Series at the University of Central Lancashire […]
Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences in the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University in Milton Keynes
People are being invited to consider the importance of comets at a free event in Preston.
The latest Jeremiah Horrocks Institute Public Lecture Series at the University of Central Lancashire is titled A Comet at Christmas.
There are many examples throughout history where comets have been regarded as prophecies.
For instance, people have speculated that the star followed by the Wise Men may have been a comet and, if so, have wondered which comet it might have been.
The event will take place on Monday (9 December), when the University will welcome Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University Monica Grady.
She will share her knowledge and research of comets, looking at what has been learned from them through observations from spacecraft and the analysis of cometary dust in laboratories on Earth.
Event organiser Professor Victor Debattista said: “Our latest talk in the popular Jeremiah Horrocks Public Lecture Series promises a fascinating discussion on comets and what they reveal about the formation of our Solar System by a leading expert on the subject.”
The public event, which runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Darwin Lecture Theatre in Marsh Lane, is free to attend but people are asked to register via Eventbrite.
For more information, contact the School of Engineering and Computing on SECAdmin@uclan.ac.uk.
This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-bowl-of-ramen-soup-right-participants-in-montreal-s-japan-week.jpg?id=59883814&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Montreal is about to get a serious taste of East Asia as Japan Week makes its return from May 1 to 11, 2025. And this year's edition is bigger than ever. </p><p>What used to be a one-week celebration has now been stretched to 11 days, giving Montrealers even more time to dive into all things Japanese — from ramen and sake to tea ceremonies, kimono parades, and Shiba Inu meetups. More than 20 restaurants across the city are taking part, including spots like Fleurs et Cadeaux, Imadake Izakaya, Ramen Nakamichi, Yokato Yokabai, and Umami Ramen & Izakaya. Whether you're craving donburi, izakaya-style plates, or bowls of perfectly rich tonkotsu, there's something on the menu for every kind of foodie.</p><p>Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted to learn that close to 20 Japanese boutiques, cafés, and pastry shops are joining the celebration too. You'll find matcha desserts, imported snacks, handcrafted goods, manga, and traditional art at places like Uncle Tetsu, Comète BAKE SHOP, Matcha Zanmai, and Au Papier Japonais.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIENemXz2Mi/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIENemXz2Mi/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>According to a press release shared with MTL Blog, there's a full lineup of cultural events as well. Highlights include a shamisen concert from the MTL Shamisen Project, a sake tasting workshop led by Kuniko Fujita (a.k.a. Madame Saké), and the Festival Nihoncha Canada for tea lovers.</p><p>On May 3 and 4, Osmo x Marusan will host the CHIBI Japanese Market, a mini outdoor market featuring local creators and Japanese-themed vendors — from kimono designers to traditional sweets makers.</p><p>Finally, one of the most anticipated events is the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/montreal-is-hosting-a-japan-week-this-spring-there-will-be-a-shiba-inu-dog-party" target="_blank">Shiba, Akita, Kimono & Yukata Gathering</a> happening Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. (rain date: May 11). Expect fluffy dogs, stunning traditional wear, and lots of cameras.</p><p>You can find full details, updates, and sign-up info for Japan Week at <a href="https://www.asiasie.com/la-semaine-japon" target="_blank">Asiasie.com</a>.</p><h3>5th Annual Montreal Japan Week</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIJXDQioTCh/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIJXDQioTCh/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When: May 1 to 11, 2025</p><p>Where: Across Montreal, at participating businesses and restaurants</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1498413081027375/" target="_blank">Facebook Event </a></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
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