Physics and poetry joined forces this week to make a fascinating light display, captured in this stunning study by Chronicle chief photographer, Frank Riddle.

The 25-metre aerial at Chilbolton Observatory, which serves as a radio telescope and an experimental meteorological radar, had some physics poetry projected onto it to launch a science contest. The Universe competition, run by the British Association for the Advancement of Science, involves such diverse luminaries from the worlds of science, entertainment and literature as novelist, Terry Pratchett, astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore and Muppets scientists, Beaker and Dr Bunsen Honeydew, all of whom have submitted entries for the contest.

Budding poets are invited to enter works on the themes of time, space and energy. The poems may be in any style, but must not be longer than 40 lines. The closing date for the competition is February 11th. For more information. go to www.the-ba.net/universe F4280A