Exploring the Distant Universe
Saturday 2 June 2012 at 2pm
A public lecture for the family.
Over the next ten years our understanding of the Universe will be transformed by a new generation of both space and ground-based telescopes.
The 20-year-old Hubble Space Telescope will be replaced by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Discover how the JWST, with a mirror five times larger than Hubble, will allow us to identify not only the most distant stars and galaxies in the Universe, but also find planets approaching the size of the Earth orbiting other stars.
Find out how a new class of ground-based 'Extremely Large Telescopes' (ELTs) will complement JWST with their ability to obtain exquisitely detailed observations of individual objects such as distant galaxies.
Speaker: Stephen Wilkins, Oxford Astrophysics.
Stephen Wilkins is currently a Post-Doc in Oxford in the field of Galaxy Formation and Evolution. He completed his PhD (2006-2009) at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge and before that he was a undergraduate in Durham. Much of his recent work focuses on the identification, confirmation and analysis of high-redshift galaxies (ie those we observe at an early point in the Universe's history) as well as, more generally, understanding the evolution of the cosmic star formation density. He also teaches (Level 3 General Relativity and Cosmology and L4 Astrophysics) and participates in / creates various public engagement activities.
Please note that registration is essential if you wish to attend this lecture. Register here.
Suitable for age 10 upwards. All welcome. Entry FREE.
Venue: Martin Wood Lecture Theatre, Martin Wood Building, Parks Road, Oxford.