Free UCLan event invites people to explore our nearest star

UCLan solar physics expert will lead audience in a journey of discovery. People are invited on a journey to explore The Sun at a free event organised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Recently, the view of our closest star has been transformed due to dedicated space based observatories. Using the latest images and movies, Living with our Star will track our nearest star's flow of energy - from the nuclear reactions at its centre down to our own planet Earth.

Professor of Solar Physics Robert Walsh will host the event. He said: Our Sun may appear tranquil and constant, but it is in fact a seething ball of million degree electrified gases. "During our journey we'll psychoanalyse the Sun's magnetic personality, surf along shock waves in the solar wind and run for cover from solar storms as we try to predict the effect of space weather upon the Earth."

The free event will take place on:- Thursday, 25 May 2023, from:- 6pm to 7pm, in:- UCLan's Darwin Lecture Theatre, Darwin Building on the Preston Campus. People can attend in person or online and tickets are available via Eventbrite.

For more information, contact:- EngageUCLan@UCLan.AC.UK.
 

Reintroduction of dog licences receives nationwide support in a bid to deter unsuitable dog owners and encourage better standards and training

IN a recent survey by leading animal healthcare brand Johnson's Veterinary Products into the purchasing habits of pet owners, a surprising 71% of pet owners surveyed said they would be willing to pay for a dog licence if they were reintroduced by the Government.

The statistics reveal overwhelming support with a further 38% feeling the reintroduction of licences would deter unsuitable dog owners, and 24% believing it would encourage better standards and training, which would hopefully protect the public from irresponsible owners and unpredictable pets.

The survey, which sought to identify the factors that influence buying decisions when owners seek healthcare products for their pets, comes at an interesting time following calls for greater safeguarding surrounding dog ownership in the aftermath of recent serious dog related injuries to owners and members of the public.

The decision to reintroduce dog licences would not be without its critics at a time of economic uncertainty, but it will undoubtedly pique the interest of those in both Central and Local Government.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnsons Veterinary Products, commented:- "This willingness to pay for a dog licence was a surprising response, but perhaps signals that recent high profile dog attacks have changed the thinking of the majority of responsible dog owners. Whilst serious incidents involving dog attacks remain rare, each 1 is a tragedy and it feels like more could be done to reduce the risks. Dog owners understand the need to train and socialize their dogs, but a willingness to buy a licence in the middle of a cost of living crisis, whilst a surprise, readily demonstrates the importance they place on regulation of dog ownership. The findings of the survey make interesting reading for those with their pets' best interests at heart, as those polled believed the reintroduction of licences would deliver significant safety and regulatory benefits, albeit at a cost of more than £38 per dog, per year. Although not an issue discussed at the highest levels, the Government may see this as an opportunity to raise significant funds that can be redistributed to address high profile issues, not all of which will necessarily be dog related. With there being an estimated 13 million pet dogs in the UK as of 2021, given that 71% of those questioned would be willing to pay an average of £38 per animal, the reintroduction of dog licences could raise more than £475M."