The Umbrella Galaxy, so-called because of the 'umbrella' shape on its left. This feature is the debris from a tiny galaxy torn apart by the main galaxy. The image is a combination of data from the 0.5-metre BlackBird Remote Observatory Telescope and Suprime-Cam on the eight-metre Subaru Telescope. Image copyright © 2014 R. J. GaBany (Blackbird Obs.)
The Umbrella Galaxy, so-called because of the 'umbrella' shape on its left. This feature is the debris from a tiny galaxy torn apart by the main galaxy. The image is a combination of data from the 0.5-metre BlackBird Remote Observatory Telescope and Suprime-Cam on the eight-metre Subaru Telescope. Image copyright © 2014 R. J. GaBany (Blackbird Obs.)

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Sky’s the limit for major astronomy events

It’s all happening for our astronomers on campus this week, as they host more than 300 colleagues from around the world for the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting.

In addition to a jam-packed program for researchers, the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s team are also keen to welcome staff families and our local community onto campus for three big public events.

Ask an astronomer

Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt (ANU). Photo: ANU
Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt (ANU). Photo: ANU

Have you ever wondered about space travel, black holes or the possibility of life on other worlds? Get your questions ready as a special panel of high-profile experts are ready and eager to tell you more.

“This would be perfect for the budding scientist in your life,” said Professor Quentin Parker, Director of the Macquarie University Research Centre in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics.

“We want to really challenge our experts with some curly questions, covering everything you wanted to know about life, the universe and everything but may have been too afraid to ask!”

The panel includes Nobel Prize winner Professor Brian Schmidt AC FRS, the popular ‘public voice of Australian astronomy’ Professor Fred Watson AM, and the eminent director of the national optical observatory (AAO) Professor Warrick Couch.

When: Tuesday 22 July (7-8pm)
Where: Macquarie Theatre

Public talk: ‘Relatively Brilliant’

Professor Fred Watson (AAO). Photo: Fred Watson
Professor Fred Watson (AAO). Photo: Fred Watson

On Wednesday evening, Professor Watson will also present The Harley Wood free public talk, entitled Relatively Brilliant. He will look at Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, examining its origins at a time when the world was deeply divided by the horrors of the First World War and its relevance today, nearly 100 years later.

When: Wednesday 23 July (7.30-8.30pm)
Where: Macquarie Theatre

Exhibition: Fields of Vision: Art and astronomy

Open for general viewing from tomorrow until the end of August, the creative-minded have also prepared a unique art exhibition especially for the meeting.

Fields of Vision: Art and astronomy was developed from an idea by Quentin Parker and Rhonda Davis in partnership with the Macquarie University Research Centre for Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics (MQAAAstro), and the Macquarie University Art Gallery.

“It reflects a contemporary response to the Cosmos by a number of artists exploring the interstices between time, space, and travel,” said senior art gallery curator Rhonda Davis. “These are intrinsically linked with identity and humanity’s unrelenting quest to know the unknown and the invisible.”

When: 21 July – 29 August,
Where: Macquarie University Art Gallery, Building E11A

For more information see the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting website. You can also follow the week’s action online with the hashtag #ASA2014MQ.