Speaker Programme 2025

Tue, 14 Jan 25

Lunar Gazing – Carolyn Kennett (Archeo-Astronomy, Cornwall) via Zoom

Carolyn provides us with a personal perspective on our connection to the Moon, from pre-history up to 20th-Century science and popular culture.

Two Eyes are Better than One – Steve Tonkin

Steve explains why binoculars aren’t “just for beginners”, but are a valuable instrument in their own right. Learn how to choose and use binoculars for astronomy; what makes a good (and bad) pair; and how to make the most of your viewing experience.

The World of Radio Astronomy and Radio Telescopes – Andrew Spencer (FAS)

Radio telescopes capture radio waves from a wide variety of sources across the Universe, in some cases from much further away than any optical telescope. Andrew explains how radio astronomy provides fundamental insights into how the Universe works.

Tue, 08 Apr 25

Narrowband Imaging in Astrophotography, Simon Watts (FAS)

Discover the essentials of narrowband imaging with astrophotography. Simon shows us how to use narrowband filters to capture amazing images and explores processing techniques in PixInsight, tailored for both monochrome and one-shot colour cameras.

Tue, 13 May 25

Meteorites – Stones from Outer Space that made our world, Dr Tim Gregory via Zoom

It’s estimated that some 40,000 tonnes of meteorites fall on the Earth every year. These rocky and metallic messengers from space carry vital clues to help us piece together the history of the solar system, and perhaps even give insights into what came before.

The Crisis in Cosmology, Kevin Pretorius (FAS)

Over the past decade or so, two different ways of measuring the expansion rate of the universe have stubbornly refused to agree on the right answer. Either something is fundamentally wrong with one or other measurement technique, or something is missing or wrong about our understanding of cosmology. Kevin shares the story of how we got here, explains the relevant science, and reviews some of the ideas that might yet resolve the tension.

Tue, 08 Jul 25

tbc

General Relativity – Made Simple, John Price (FAS)

John takes up the challenge of explaining Einstein’s theory in an easy-to-follow manner, with as little maths as possible.

Galactic Archeology – Dr. Eugene Vasilieve (University of Surrey)

The ancient history of the Milky Way is written in its stars. Dr Eugene is our guide on this very different kind of archaeological expedition

Confusion at the EDGE of Galaxy Formation – Ethan Taylor (University of Surrey)

The early universe produced both Dwarf Galaxies and Globular Clusters in large numbers – polar opposites of one another when you compare their dark matter content and stellar densities. Ethan explains his research into how both types of objects can form, using cutting-edge cosmology simulations.

Tue, 11 Nov 25

Looking for Tatooine, Steve Woodbridge (FAS)

Steve reports back on his binary star observing project. 

Tue, 09 Dec 25

AGM (sorry – members only).