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Jo Richardson Space Detectives Founder

I am an enthusiastic Professional Space Educationalist and Outreach Specialist, having founded Space Detectives from scratch in 2013 to address the needs within schools (particularly at Primary Level) for quality Space Science Education. I am also one of the current UK European Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) Space Champions and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Previous high-profile work that I have been involved in has included the “Tim Peake Primary Project, The Polar Explorer Project and Mission X” which has been run in 1000’s of schools across the UK. In 2018, I was part of the team that won the highly renowned “International Arthur C Clarke Award for Space Outreach and Education” here in the UK. I am linked to many South West Astronomical Societies. I am the Event Co-Ordinator and organizer for both the Wells and Mendip Astronomers plus the Tiverton and Mid Devon Astronomical Society.

I work tirelessly to promote the benefits of dark skies and am the resident astronomer for Exmoor National Park Dark Sky Reserve, as well as an advisor to other National Parks, such as the Yorkshire Dales, Cranborne Chase and the North York Moors. My long-held belief is that if I manage to inspire just one person to “look up” and see what lies beyond the remit of our home planet, then my job has been wholly worthwhile.

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"Thank you so much for coming to Sherborne Prep and running all of your inspiring workshops. Everyone has had a fantastic week and the school has been left buzzing!"

Mrs. F Salisbury - Head of Science, Sherborne Prep