Speaker Programme 2024

• Astro Hacks from the Axeman, John Axtell (FAS)

John shares some practical tips & tricks for the budding astronomer, and in true “Blue Peter” style – something to make out of papier-mâché.

• Time in Einstein’s Universe, Colin Stuart

Colin explains how time and time travel work according to Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity, and guides us through some of the mind-bending paradoxes.

• Echo-Mapping of Super-Massive Black Holes, Dr. Juan V. Hernández Santisteban, University of St. Andrews (via Zoom)

Dr Santisteban describes his research work probing the environment of Super-Massive Black Holes inside Active Galactic Nuclei using a novel technique.

• Gravitational Waves – Messengers from the Stellar Graveyard, Dr. Patricia Schmidt, University of Birmingham (via Zoom)

Gravitational Waves – minuscule distortions in the fabric of spacetime – give us unique insights into some of the most energetic astrophysical events in the Universe, probing the nature of gravity, matter, space, and time.  Patricia examines some of the most remarkable GW observations in recent years through Einstein’s eyes, and their consequences for our understanding of the Universe. She discusses prospects for the future of gravitational-wave astronomy.

• (Change of Schedule)
  A Tour of the Inner Solar System, William Joyce

• Chasing a Comet, Prof. Geraint Jones, UCL

Prof. Jones talks about ESA’s upcoming “Comet Interceptor” mission – a robotic probe to be parked at L2, ready and waiting to pursue and study a pristine, long-period comet for the first time.

• Clash of the Titans, Rory Fenner (FAS)

Rory’s tour of the stars and constellations of the Autumn sky, full of legends and lore.

• Copernicus and his contributions to Mediaevel Science, John Vines (FAS)

• Understanding Cosmological Expansion, Kevin Pretorius (FAS)
  Kevin explains how the expansion was discovered; delves into the underlying theory; and examines the consequences of living in an expanding universe.

• Galaxies! Dr Or Graur, (Institute of Cosmology & Gravitation, University of Portsmouth) via Zoom
  Dr Graur talks us through the science of galaxies as discussed in his latest book.

• Earth-Sensing Satellites, Zac Thomas, Surrey Satellites (FAS)

• Arthur Eddington, English astronomer, Physicist and mathematician,  John Price (FAS)

John explains how Eddington played a major role in the verification and acceptance of Einstein’s work.

• AGM (members only) plus

Astrophotography Made Simple – John Coe (FAS) demonstrates the amazing SeeStar telescope.