Solar racers on show

Solar-powered cars zoom into Science Museum for half-term

To celebrate the advances in solar technology, the Science Museum will be showcasing the next generation of solar-powered cars in a three-day event taking place in the Antenna gallery during half-term.

Visitors will be able to see at close range, two cutting-edge solar-powered vehicles including the car that UCL raced in the 2007 World Solar Challenge, racing 3000 km across Australia at up to 120km per hour, using nothing but sunlight, alongside another futuristic car designed by Durham University which will be entering the 2009 event.

The free event is sponsored by Siemens and takes place in the Antenna gallery at the Science Museum from 19-21 February, 11.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00. The Antenna gallery is devoted entirely to new developments in the fast-moving world of science and technology represented through a series of constantly-updated exhibitions.

Notes:
1. This exhibition is sponsored by Siemens as part of a three-year commitment to the Science Museum.
2. The Science Museums Wellcome Wing has been made possible by two major benefactions. In the first major lottery award to the sciences, the Heritage Lottery Fund has contributed £23m and, in one of the largest grants ever made to a museum in this country, the Wellcome Trust, the independent medical research charity, has donated £17.75m.
3. Further generous support for the Antenna gallery is provided by Nature.

About Siemens in the UK

Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 164 years ago. The company employs 20,387 people in the UK, including about 6,000 in the manufacturing sector. Last years revenues were £3.5 billion, including exports of £873 million, and it spent almost £70 million on research and development. As a leading global engineering company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the worlds major challenges, including the shortage of natural resources, increasing environmental care, and a growing demand for healthcare, mobility and security. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The companys global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk