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IMAGE COPYRIGHT: University of Southampton

Computed Tomography: Real Life X-Ray Vision | Lab Tour


Highfield Campus

Building: 5 | u-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre

Age suitable for:
  • All ages


Accessibility alert:
  • Darkened spaces
  • Tactile activities for visually impaired
  • Other
Visit:   



From dinosaurs to race cars, Roman coins to cutting-edge medical research, X-Ray CT has revolutionized how we see and interpret the world around us. Our machines give us x-ray vision, and here at the µVIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, we have two of the largest CT scanners in the country, open for you to step inside and explore.

We'll have a range of activities on offer in our labs:
- As well as seeing the machines themselves, you'll also have the opportunity to learn the basics of CT using visible light with our shadowboxes, or try your hand at 'tactile tomography' - can you guess the object from touch alone?
- Think you know your Aeros from your Wispas? Your Snickers from your Mars bars? Try your luck at guessing the chocolate bar from the CT scan - it's harder than you think!
- Using the power of VR, get up close and personal with real-life CT scan data! From giant fossils to tiny specimens, all becomes visible with the power of CT.

Come along and learn how invisible light has illuminated our understanding of engineering, medicine, and history, and why we are waiting for the next big PC games to be released.