This event gives a taster to software and computing systems being used in astronomy research.
Agenda
6:00pm - Registration and networking
6:30pm - Branch updates
7:30pm - Talk: Computing for Astronomy Research, followed by questions and answers
7:30pm - Networking and refreshments
8:30pm - Event ends
Speaker
Dr Andrew Wilson
Synopsis
Computers have formed an integral part of both amateur and professional astronomy since the early days of modern computing. Prior to the dawn of the computer age, assistant astronomers were sometimes called computers, performing calculations and analysing data by hand.
Computers are now used everywhere in astronomy, from calculating the positions of celestial bodies and analysing images, to simulating stars, planetary atmospheres and the evolution of the universe. The talk will start with an introduction to astronomy, taking us from the local neighbourhood of our solar system to the large-scale universe of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
We will then look at how we observe the universe, explaining the principles of telescopes and imaging, including the recent revolution in relatively cheap smart telescopes. This will be followed by the websites and software that help us to decide what to observe and to process our astronomical images.
We will finish by looking at computing in astronomy research with a brief overview of Andy's research using machine learning to find young stars in our Milky Way galaxy.
About the speaker
Andy Wilson has been interested in astronomy since he was a young child. This led him to study Astronomy and Physics at University College London in the 1990s, after which he pursued an IT career in the finance industry.
He retained his interest in astronomy and went back to university in 2001 as a part-time student. First studying for a mathematics degree with the Open University, followed by a PhD in astronomy at the University of Exeter which he completed in 2024. He is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Astrophysics Group at the University of Exeter, where he conducts research into star formation and young stars.
Andy is also involved in the British Astronomical Association, a world-renowned organisation of amateur astronomers. He helps to run the BAA Variable Star Section, managing the Photometry and Spectroscopy online databases.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
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Please note: if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via groups@bcs.uk, and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.
For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.
This event is brought to you by: Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire branch
