LATEST NEWS

 2014/15

 

ASTRONOMY FM UNDER BRITISH SKIES

The Cosmological Distance Ladder
with
Dr Robert Smith of Sussex University
Sunday 18 January 2015 - 2000hrs UT

 

 To listen in follow the link:  http://astronomy.fm/tag/under-british-skies/

UCKFIELD 105FM Radio Show

1100hrs
Wednesday 4 February 2015

(click icon at left to listen in)

 

TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE

with media partner BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Due to the overwhelming success of this year's National Tour (see below) there will be another in 2015!

VECTIS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Presentation
Friday 27 February 2015

EAST SUSSEX ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Presentation
Thursday 5 March 2015

PATRICK MOORE MEMORIAL LECTURE
I have been invited to give two presentations
at the school where Sir Patrick himself taught for 8 years
Holmewood House School
Tunbridge Wells
on
Friday 8 May 2015

TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE
will also form part of the
Solarsphere Festival
on
14 - 16 August 2015

THIS SITE IS ABOUT TO BE REPLACED 
BY A NEW LOOK PROFESSIONAL SITE ...

Watch this space!

 

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.



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!

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 ...

 



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.



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!

 



THE GREAT DEBATE

Astronomy vs Astrology

Uckfield 105FM Radio

Tuesday 25 February 2014

 

 

Well, this was an idea of radio presenter, Tony Williams, with whom I share my monthly broadcast on all things astronomical.  He teamed me up with Sharon, Uckfield 105FM's Astrologer, for what became a lively discussion about the stars and planets, agrarian beliefs and the mysticism of horoscopes.  Tony led us way back into the realms of ancient Babylonia, Egypt, China and Australia, and great fun was had by all. 

Don't take my word for it, click the link below and listen in!

The Great Debate on Uckfield 105 FM

 

From left to right: Sharon, Tony and Me

 



MONTHLY RADIO SHOW

Uckfield 105 FM

Friday 7 February 2014

 

Feel free to listen in to Friday's radio show where, with radio presenter Tony Williams, we share Supernova 2014J which exploded 'recently' - some 11 to 12 million years ago in 'nearby' irregular galaxy, M82 in Ursa Major - but which is currently visible in larger amateur telescopes.

 

Supernova 2014J (circled) in M82: (NASA/Swift)

 

We also share the delights of February's night sky:  mighty Jupiter, beautiful Venus and her conjunction with the Moon on 26 February, the occultation by the Moon of the star Lamba Geminorum on 11 February, and much more.

 

To tune in just click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.

 

 

THE GREAT DEBATE

Astronomy vs Astrology

Tuesday 25 February 2014

at 1130 hrs

 

Join Tony Williams, Uckfield 105 FM's resident Astrologer, Sharon, and me, for a live debate, or 'battle' as Tony would say (!), where astronomy goes head to head with astrology.

 

 

After much negotiation, Tony has thrown down the gauntlet and Sharon and I have picked it up!  So please do join us for what promises to be lively discussion and much debate about these two fascinating subjects.  I can't wait!

 

UPCOMING ASTRONOMY EVENTS

 

Due to the recent wet and windy weather - why am I using the word 'recent', it feels as if it's been around forever (!) - a number of astronomy events in which I was due to be involved have been cancelled.  I will update with new info as and when it becomes available.  In the meantime, watch this space!

 

Keep looking up ... those skies will clear ... eventually!

 



Uckfield 105FM Radio

 

Friday 10 January 2014

 

Feel free to listen in to this morning's show where, with radio presenter, Tony Williams, we share a journey into the realms of the Northern Lights and what can be seen in the January night sky.

 

Yours truly with radio presenter, Tony Williams

 

This local radio station is hugely popular with listeners, both young and old, numbering in the tens of thousands.  Uckfield 105FM is ranked third highest after BBC national radio and Heart FM.  Little wonder because everyone in the team is enthusiastic, energetic and works really hard to serve the local community.  They do a great job.  My monthly astronomy slot, since my initiation as Royle's Astronomer over two years ago, has gone from strength to strength. 

I feel I must thank Tony, Mike Skinner and Gary King for all their support, genuine interest and, above all, fun.  Astronomy is now well and truly on the map ... and I love being a part of their team.

To listen in click the Uckfield FM icon at left.

Happy listening and look out for those Northern Lights!

 

 

ASTRONOMY IN THE PUB EVENT

 

A note for the diary: on 22 February 2014 astro-imager, Richie Jarvis, will be hosting another 'Astronomy in the Pub' evening at the Horns Lodge Inn in South Chailey.  I have been invited along as a Guest Speaker.  Last year's event was really well attended and was terrific fun.  More details to follow, but hope to see you there!



UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO

Friday 8 November 2013

 

Feel free to tune in to my monthly radio show where I join presenter Tony Williams to discuss Comet ISON, the Andromeda Galaxy, the conjunction of Saturn and Mercury and the Winter constellations.  Also shared is my presentation at the INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium at Winchester where significant sums for Cancer Research UK were raised.

Don't forget my next appearance at BIBENDUM in Eastbourne

on Thursday 14 November at 7.30pm. 
See below for booking details.

 

 

Listen in by clicking the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.



Uckfield 105FM Radio

Friday 6 September 2013

 

Feel free to tune in to my most recent monthly appearance with radio presenter, Tony Williams, where we discuss the emergence of Comet ISON, what's in the  night sky for September and my views on a one-way ticket to the red planet, Mars! 

Click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.

 

A report on the Herstmonceux Astronomy Festival 2013 will follow.

UCKFIELD 105FM

AUGUST RADIO SHOW

 

Feel free to listen in to this month's show to enjoy some, hopefully, informative 'persiflage' about the upcoming Perseids Meteor Shower due to peak on Sunday 11 and Monday 12 August.  Click the Uckfield FM icon at left.

UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO

July Show

 

Listen in to last month's radio show via the Uckfield FM icon at left.

Feel free to tune in at

1100hrs

on

Friday 2nd August

when, with Presenter, Tony Williams, we shall discuss the upcoming Perseids Meteor Shower and the publication of my second book, CELESTIAL EXTRA TEXTURE, detailed below and available through Amazon Kindle