Catalyst to give Isaac Newton Space Sapling a home!

We are proud to be one of the recipients of one of eight young trees from the pips from Isaac Newton’s apple tree that were blasted into space with British ESA Astronaut Tim Peake.

In 2015 apple pips from the iconic Newton tree were taken on the Principia mission by British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station. The pips then spent six months floating in micro gravity as part of the ‘Pips in Space’ project before returning to Earth in 2016.

On their return from space in 2016, the well-travelled pips went to Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex and home to the Millennium Seed Bank, where they spent 90 days at 5°C to simulate the winter cold needed to break dormancy. In May 2017, they were warmed to 15°C and the young seedlings started to emerge.

The UK Space Agency, the National Trust and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, worked together on the project.

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes was selected to share the story of space travel, Isaac Newton, horticulture and the excitement of science. To celebrate its arrival, Catalyst will be hosting a new exhibition on the story of the space sapling alongside a community engagement project. The tree will be set into the landscape of Spike Island, close to Catalyst, by Halton Borough Council who will care for it thereafter.

Martin Pearson, CEO of Catalyst said “We are delighted to have been awarded one of the eight space saplings in the UK.  This is an exciting story to inspire all ages.  Combining Newton’s gravity to Space Exploration and linking it to our new Planetarium show and Exhibition at Catalyst is very exciting. I hope as many people as possible come to see the Space Sapling and join us at Catalyst in igniting the curiosity of all on the wonder of science.”

Catalyst received the tree from Tim Peake at a special ceremony at Woolsthorpe Manor, National Trust attended by Catalyst CEO Martin Pearson, Jade French, Catalyst Community Engagement Coordinator, Mayor of Halton Councillor Margaret Horabin and Andrea Leadsom, Business Secretary and senior representatives from the project.

Jade French, Catalyst’s Community Engagement Coordinator and project lead said “The space sapling will be an incredible resource for our local community. Its interwoven stories of Newton’s gravity, space exploration and horticulture will be brought to life through a dynamic series of school projects, participatory programmes and educational workshops, inspiring young people across the borough for years to come.”

Speaking at the event, Tim Peake said “These trees are truly unique. They come from the iconic apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton to ponder the forces of gravitation and continues to inspire to this day. My mission to space was named Principia in homage to Newton’s defining work that included his world-changing ideas about gravity. I wanted my Principia mission to inspire others, particularly young people, with the adventure of space and the excitement of science. Now, thanks to the careful nurturing at Kew, the apple pips that flew with me into space have grown into fine young trees which I hope will continue to inspire potential Isaac Newtons.”

Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Business, said “Tim Peake’s first trip to space became a source of national pride and inspired people across the country, including millions of school children, who were amazed at the wonders of space science and achievements. This mission also contributed to the continued success of our space industry which is a vibrant and successful part of our economy. It is my own personal ambition to ensure the sector has a bright future, with investments that lead to huge improvements in our everyday lives – from tackling climate change to communicating around the world.”

Ian Cooper, General Manager for the National Trust, said “Isaac Newton’s time back home at Woolsthorpe in his Year of Wonders in 1665/66 transformed scientific thinking, the impact of which is still felt today. As the trees grow and mature at their new homes, the partnerships we’ve formed in this project will enable us to share Newton’s fascinating story with new people, hopefully inspiring curiosity and a passion for scientific endeavour.”

Dr Anne Visscher, Career Development Fellow, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said “We are delighted to have been part of such an exciting project. Apple seeds can lose viability if not stored properly, so we made sure they were kept at low humidity during their time in space.  After their return to Earth, we germinated them in our seed bank laboratories before handing them over to the nursery team, who have gone out of their way to keep the young trees healthy. We are hopeful that they will continue to mature in their new homes around the country whilst engaging visitors with their history of Newton, space travel and plant science.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The winners who will host Newton’s space saplings are:

• Eden Project (Cornwall)
• Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre (Cheshire)
• Brogdale Collections, Home of the National Fruit Collection (Kent)
• Catalyst Science Discovery Centre (Cheshire)
• Royal Parks and National Physical Laboratory (Middx)
• South Derbyshire District Council, Environmental Education Project at Rosliston Forestry Centre (Derbyshire)
• WoolsthorpeManor (Lincolnshire)
• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (Vienna)

About Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre is the only museum in the UK which explores the science and technology behind the chemical industry and its impact on our lives past and present through a host of hands-on exhibits, activities and demonstrations. Catalyst is an independent charitable trust operated by Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited.

Website: www.catalyst.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatalystScienceDiscoveryCentre/

Twitter: @CatalystSDC

Contact

For more information contact Meryl Jameson, Marketing Manager at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 0DF. Telephone 0151 420 1121 or e-mail meryl@catalyst.org.uk