Our speakers 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, as well all levels of knowledge and experience.
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 Dr Schmidt discusses the science of gravitational wave detection, and what gravitational waves can tell us about the universe, using some of the most interesting and remarkable observations to date. |
| Tue, 14 May 24 | Two Eyes are Better Than One, Steve Tonkin Steve argues that binoculars aren’t just for beginners, but are an invaluable astronomical instrument in their own right. Learn how to choose and use binoculars for observing the night sky and how to optimize your experience. |
| 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 Contribution to Mediaeval Science, John Vines (FAS) |
| Tue, 13 Aug 24 | Understanding Cosmological Expansion, Kevin Pretorius (FAS) Kevin explores the fundamentals of cosmological expansion and dispels a few myths. |
| 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 | tbc |
| Tue, 10 Dec 24 | AGM plus Astrophotography Made Simple – John Coe (FAS) demonstrates the amazing SeeStar telescope. |