Speaker Programme

Our talks are given by a mix of members of the society and external speakers from other societies or the scientific community.

We try to maintain a programme that covers a wide range of interests, from cosmology to practical observing, at all levels of knowledge and experience.

Speaker programmes from previous years.

Our programme of talks for 2024 is as follows:

Date	Event
Tue, 09 Jan 24	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.
Tue, 13 Feb 24	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.
Tue, 12 Mar 24	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.
Tue, 09 Apr 24	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.
Tue, 14 May 24	(Change of Schedule) A Tour of the Inner Solar System, William Joyce
Tue, 11 Jun 24	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.
Tue, 09 Jul 24	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)
Tue, 13 Aug 24	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.
Tue, 10 Sep 24	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.
Tue, 08 Oct 24	Earth-Sensing Satellites, Zac Thomas, Surrey Satellites (FAS)
Tue, 12 Nov 24	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.
Tue, 10 Dec 24	AGM (members only) plus Astrophotography Made Simple – John Coe (FAS) demonstrates the amazing SeeStar telescope.

We meet on the second Tuesday of every month, doors open at 7.20 and meetings start at 7.45pm.

Directions and more details on the venue can be found here

Farnham AS has resumed meetings at Aldershot Cricket Club, and our meetings are open once again to members, guests and visitors. At the time of writing, COVID rates are thankfully low, vaccination rates are high, and no longer an everyday concern for the majority of the public. But we do ask members to act sensibly and with consideration for the well-being of others, who may be more vulnerable. So please do not attend if you are feeling unwell.