Herschel and the invisible end of the rainbow

The surprisingly close interrelation of astronomical basic science with both, everyday technologies as well as key discoveries in the history of science is the central theme of this science communication project. The FWF research project P23586 Dust guaranteed Herschel observes AGB stars focused on the most spectacular phase in the life cycle of sun-like stars, namely their end, which is accompanied by strong pulsation and heavy mass loss of both gas and dust. By observing and learning from this phase we were able to look into the future of our own sun. By using the infrared space telescope Herschel we could shed light on the links between the death of stars and the cosmic cycle of matter. The space telescope Herschel, our main tool of research, was named after the discoverer of infrared radiation, William Herschel. Together with his sister Caroline Herschel, one of the first recognised female scientists, William Herschel made a serendipitous discovery of invisible radiation at the red end of the solar spectrum whilst measuring temperatures with a simple spirit thermometer. This was in the year 1800. It was the first time in human history that the existence of radiation invisible to the human eye was clearly proven, namely infrared- or thermal radiation. Our science communication project plans to make this key discovery perceptible and comprehensive for children and the interested public. At the same time the importance of infrared radiation in daily life from the TV remote control to weather satellite imagery as well as in research (for which our astronomical research project will provide the basis) will be demonstrated. Methodically, a mixed approach was chosen: An original theatre play and a similar radio play will tell the story of the historical discovery in the year 1800 in an instructive as well as funny way. The used experimental materials will be provided in form of a Discoverer Suitcase to schools and science centres on a rental basis. This will give children the possibility to become active both as experimentalists and as actors! Easy to use and at large quantities, sustainably produced hands-on boxes will support further activities. On an even wider scale contributions to big science communication events, workshops, podcasts, teacher training, public talks and a web presence providing downloads will be developed. Our project will combine the topics of basic research, modern technology, gender issues in science and the history of science in an innovative way. Our target groups will be invited to actively participate in this process.

The communication project "Herschel and the invisible end of the rainbow" features the discovery and today's application of infrared radiation by divers methods and using different media in order to reach a wide and divers audience. We present the discovery of the sun's infrared radiation through the Herschel siblings in the year 1800 in a creative way by the publication and performance of a theatre play and accompanying audioplay. Moreover, related hands-on experiments are developed and described. The documentation of the historical discovery, which changed both science and our daily life, is further supplemented by background information e.g. on the role of women in science in the late 18th and early 19th century. By this, the history of the discovery of infrared radiation becomes alive and easily comprehensible. Additionally to the historical context we thematise the importance of infrared radiation in science and even every day technology. We carry out interactive experiments and demonstrations using a capable thermal infrared camera by which a mostly unknown and strange infrared world becomes visible for all generations. Our recent findings with the infrared space telescope Herschel are used to exemplify modern science use. With this colourful, diverse and interactive communication concept, which is easily extendable and adoptable, we already took part in several science festivals, workshops and training events. On out project website https://space.univie.ac.at/en/projects/rainbow/ all or documents, background infos, experiment descriptions as well as all produced media are provided for digestion and download. Besides texts and pictures we offer also audio- and video material covering our theatre play, the audioplay, podcasts, interviews and recordings of our events.