Solar eclipse as seen from Rapa Nui
This might just be one of the most enchanting images I have ever set eyes upon. The composite image, was taken by astronomer (and friend of Cosm) Dr Francsico Diego of University College London on the Pacific island of Rapa Nui during the total eclipse of July this year.
Also known as Easter Island, Rapa Nui is perhaps one of the most intriguing and magical places on Earth. Since it's settlement by a Polynesian people – known as the Rapanui – in about 300AD, it has bore witness to catastrophic famine, civil war, slave raids, epidemics and near-total deforestation.
How great would it be if one of the UK's great universities (one at the forefront of all of things I write about) were to open its doors and let you poke around into what they do? Wouldn't it be even better if they were to put at your disposal some of the minds that make science happen? But it would be too much to ask surely, that they then provided a weekend of exciting interactive exhibits and fascinating lectures?