'Jane has taken up the challenge of doing for a new generation what Sir Patrick did for us all those years ago.' Dr Brian May

'Many new books on astronomy are now published every year but I am emphatic in saying that Jane Green's is outstanding.' Sir Patrick Moore, CBE, FRS

'Think Professor Cox but without the annoying soundtrack.' J G Futers, Peeblesshire, Scotland

Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Welcome to my blog!
 
Feel free to 'drop in' any time to catch my monthly radio appearances on Uckfield 105FM with presenter Tony Williams where we share all things astronomical, and have a great deal of fun along the way!  Simply click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.

In yesterday's show - Monday 4 August - we discussed the two most distant red giant stars recently discovered in our Milky Way Galaxy's outer halo; a whopping 750,000 and 900,000 light-years away! 

Also on the menu was ESA's exciting Rosetta mission whereby a spacecraft is about to rendezvous with, orbit around, and drop a lander - Philae - on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko - a mission we shall follow closely in forthcoming shows.  I shall be join Richie Jarvis on Astronomy FM at 8.00pm on 17 August where I shall be privileged to join a live link-up with some of the key scientists working on the Rosetta Mission - more to follow.

Also enjoyed on our radio show was the discussion on the dramatic 'mega Moon' about to make its closest approach to Earth for many years at circa 8.00pm on 10 August.  From there we shared the delights of the Perseid Meteor shower, due to peak on 12 August, when, despite the Full Moon, some fast bright meteors and possible fireballs will still be visible as they blaze across the night sky.  And finally, the thrilling conjunction of Venus and Jupiter pre-dawn on 18 August.  Seen against the backdrop of M44, the Beehive Cluster, the fact that these two dazzling planets will appear a mere 15 arcminutes apart should make for an amazing sight.  My alarm clock will be set!
 
In addition to the exciting news about TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE - a national astronomy tour with media partner BBC Sky at Night magazine (see above) - details of other exciting events in which I am privileged to be involved will also appear here ... so dip in any time and join me for the start of more astronomical adventures!

Keep looking up!
Jane
UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO
MONTHLY RADIO INTERVIEW
Wednesday 2 July 2014
1030hrs
 
It's that time again!  Feel free to listen in to a recording of today's radio show where, with presenter Tony Williams, we share the delights of the summer Milky Way, the mighty Andromeda Galaxy and many other galaxies beyond my recollection - and much more besides!
 
The Andromeda Galaxy (M31)  Credit: Nik Szymanek
 
Simply click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left and follow the links.
Don't forget to join us next month at 1030hrs on Monday 4 August.



Monday, 2 June 2014

ENCOUNTERS 2014
 
 
Encounters is a North Lanarkshire wide cultural festival with an eclectic programme that has something for everyone.  A month long feast of activity that includes authors, films, drama, dance, music, visual art and more, offered up through events, workshops, exhibitions and initiatives across the North Lanarkshire area.
 
I have been invited to be a speaker at this year's Festival on Monday 6 October 2014.
 
The historic Airdrie Observatory
 
The event will take place in the historic library of Airdrie Observatory.
I feel honoured to have been asked and very much look forward to the evening.
More details will be provided when known.

UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO
Monday 2nd June 2014
1030hrs
 
Feel free to listen in to our monthly show where, with presenter Tony Williams, we tackle the topical issue of this month's summer solstice.
 
 
We also share tomorrow's rare triple transit of Jupiter's moons, an event next repeated in 2015 but then not again until 2032!  Noctilucent clouds and this month's planets also add to the mix, and a whole heap of fun besides! 
Simply click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.
 
Don't forget to join us again at 1030hrs on Wednesday 2nd July 2014.
 
Keep looking up!

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

RADIO SHOW
UCKFIELD 105FM
Tuesday 13 May 2014
 
Feel free to listen in to yesterday's radio show where, with radio presenter, Tony Williams, we share the delights of the recent Illustris Galaxy Simulation, otherwise known as 'Burt' (!), the appearance of Comet 109/P LINEAR and a possible meteor shower, noctilucent clouds and this month's apparitions of Jupiter, Mars and Saturn. 
Simply click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left and follow the links.
 
 
Don't forget to tune in to next month's broadcast at 1030hrs on Monday 2 June 2014.
In the interim, keep looking up!
 
More exciting news about upcoming events will follow ...
 


Friday, 4 April 2014

UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO
Astronomy Interview
Friday 4 April 2014
Shooting Stars and Mars!
 
It's that time again!  Feel free to listen in to this month's radio show where, with radio presenter, Tony Williams, we share the secrets of April's Lyrids meteor shower, the delights of the planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn ... and a few thoughts on the Big Bang.
 
 
Simply click the Uckfield 105 FM icon at left and follow the link.
 
Happy stargazing and join us again at 1030hrs on Tuesday 13 May.


Sunday, 9 March 2014

Uckfield 105FM Radio
Astronomy Interview
Friday 7 March 2014
1030hrs
 
Feel free to join radio presenter, Tony Williams, and me, for our monthly astronomy show.  This time we share the wonders of Jupiter, currently perfectly placed for viewing in the night sky, the Moon's impending conjunction with the gas giant planet, Saturn, a close shave by asteroid DX110, the winter constellations, and much more besides ...

 
 Tune in by clicking the Uckfield 105FM Radio icon at left.
 
See you next month!