Things That Go Bang in the Night

The Universe is a dynamic, ever-changing place full of extremes – from Black Holes to asteroids, massive exploding stars to elusive distant planets. With recent developments in technology astronomers now have high-tech telescopes and instruments that allow them to observe changes in the universe on timescales from fractions of a second to years, all without leaving the comfort of their homes or offices. So, how are astronomers using these new methods to explore the universe and how can you get involved?

Andy Newsam is Professor of Astronomy Education and Engagement at Liverpool John Moores University and Director of the National Schools' Observatory. After studying Computational Physics at Warwick University, he moved to Glasgow to get his doctorate in Astrophysics. After a short period in Southampton, where he discovered all the delights of professional observing (sleep-deprivation, altitude etc), he moved to Liverpool John Moores University in 1998 to help set up the National Schools' Observatory (NSO). His varied roles combine work with schools with research, undergraduate teaching, running Distance Learning courses, and public engagement. All of this is fun, and all of it lets him play with big telescopes around the world.

Read more about the topic at the National Schools’ Observatory.

This lecture was recorded on Zoom on 15th February 2021.