The Solar Neighbourhood - A guide to the nearest stars

Guest Speaker

Thursday, 15th February 2024 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: Hybrid

We have Dr. Colin Steele, Reader at University of Manchester.

The area of the galaxy where the Sun currently resides can be considered a fairly typical area of the galaxy. This talk will consider the stars within 5 parsecs of the Sun, concentrating on those with particular characteristics e.g. the Alpha Centauri and Sirius systems, Barnard's star and the home of Mr Spock from Star Trek. The talk is not so

much of a list as an opportunity to mention many of the characteristics of stars. Woven into the talk are references to measuring distances to stars and the appearance of the Sun
and other stars from the stars concerned. The talk will conclude with thoughts on the Sun's status in the neighbourhood and the Galaxy.
 

Colin will be visiting us in person and talking from the Observatory.

Speaker: Dr. Colin Steele

Inspired by early events including Apollo Moon landings. Bought a small telescope in 1972.

Joined Dundee AS, 1978. Studied Mathematics, Astronomy, and Astrophysics, at St Andrews University, 1982-1986. PhD in Applied Mathematics (Dynamics of Solar Prominences), 1986-1990. Teaching Mathematics to students in many parts of the University of Manchester, since 1993. Studies into Equilibria and Stability of Structures in solar atmosphere Dynamics of orbits of Trojan Asteroids.

Observations of e.g. Meteors, Noctilucent Clouds etc. Dabbler in non-telescopic astrophotography Joined Dundee AS, in 1978. BAA 1985, Many other societies. Member of IAU. Active in BAA Meteor section from the mid-1980s onwards Scottish Astronomers Group President 1991-1993 Speaker at various astronomical societies. Currently resident in Dore, Sheffield. Married with 2 youngsters.