Stars of astronomy to shine at Queen's University Belfast

The risk of asteroid impact will be just one of the topics discussed in Belfast next month when Queen’s welcomes 650 of the world’s leading space scientists and astronomers.

The scientists will be attending the largest ever Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting (NAM), which runs from Monday, 31 March to Friday, 4 April.

Members of the public can find out more about the Hubble Space Telescope, asteroids and the way in which science influences popular science fiction, in a series of free public lectures.

Scientists will also present new research in many aspects of astronomy and space science, including black holes, the vision for space exploration, the early history of the Universe, planets around other stars and the impact of ‘space weather’ on the Earth.

The event is being organised by staff from the Astrophysics Research Centre and the Centre for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics within the School of Mathematics and Physics.

Professor Stephen Smartt, from the Astrophysics Research Centre in the School of Maths and Physics in Queen’s said:”Scientific discoveries by physicists, astronomers and space scientists influence our understanding of the universe, technology, mathematics, physics and social development in general.

“Astronomers at Queen’s have a proud history of making exciting discoveries. The identification of three new planets outside our own solar system last year by Queen’s astronomers was listed as one of the top ten scientific discoveries by Time magazine. During NAM 2008, we will unveil yet more discoveries to our peers and open up the world of astronomy to the wider public. It is a tremendous honour for the School of Mathematics and Physics to host this event, which is the largest ever NAM.”

Michael Rowan-Robinson, RAS President said: "I look forward to welcoming the astronomy, space science and planetary science communities to NAM2008 at Queen's University Belfast. The National Astronomy Meeting has developed into a major part of the UK astronomy calendar and it is important as a show-case for all the bright young talent in the field and as a major opportunity to review our science."

The three public lectures are:

• Tunguska 2008: 100 Years of the NEO Impact Hazard Professor Mark Bailey of Armagh Observatory Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Tuesday 1 April, 7.00pm
  
  

• Adventures with the Hubble Space Telescope Lars Lindberg Christensen of the Space Telescope European Co-ordinating Facility Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Wednesday 2 April, 7.30pm

• Science Fiction in TV and Films Professor Francis Keenan of Queen's Astrophysics Research Centre Larmor Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, Thursday 3 April, 7.00pm

Admission to the lectures is free but registration is essential. To register please call 028 9097 3541 or email .

Further information on the event can be found at http://nam2008.qub.ac.uk