Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

Exploring the dynamic universe
By Dr Andy Newsam, Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University
Joint lecture with the Institute of Physics

The Universe is a dynamic, ever-changing place full of extremes. From Black Holes to asteroids, massive exploding stars to elusive distant planets, every part of the Universe poses it own questions. However, the dynamic nature of many problems has meant that studying them in sufficient detail has been almost impossible. However, with the new breed of special robotic telescopes we can, for the first time, systematically study the “time-domain” of the universe and try to answer some of these fundamental questions. Come along to find out how, and how you can get involved.

Report
by Carole Smith
Astronomy is physics and physics is fundamental. To understand the physics of fundamental and extreme objects and events in a constantly changing universe requires observation of the changes to be continuous. This requires more observatory time than is usually allowed, to view, for example, asteroids on a potential collision course, exoplanets in other solar systems, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, electro-magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. The unknown unknowns of the universe require even more. A unique robotic observatory has been established by LJM University on a mountain in the Canary Islands, accessible by anyone from schoolchildren to astrophysicists who may programme it for long observations or fast follow-up views of a short-lived event. It helps to answer old questions, but is beginning to lead to new and unexpected discoveries. It is small, cheap to run, and the team who manage it have varied backgrounds and skills which enable them to look at this exciting science in a new way.

Sponsored by Institute of Physics