Observing using the Isaac Newton Telescope, You just press the button, right?

Guest Speaker

Thursday, 14th May 2026 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: Hybrid

Julian Onions recently had the opportunity to carry out an observing run using the 2.5-metre Isaac Newton Telescope — and discovered that professional observing is far from a simple “click and point” exercise.

In this talk, Julian will take you along on his observing trip and share what really goes into using a world-class telescope. From planning observations and preparing targets to setting up instruments, responding to conditions, and executing an observing run, he’ll reveal the practical realities behind collecting high-quality astronomical data.

“Should be straightforward? Just click and point? Not quite!”

This talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at how professional astronomers plan and carry out observations, making it perfect for anyone curious about how big telescopes are actually used in practice.

Join online if you can't meet us at the meeting room HERE

Speaker: Julian Onions

Julian has always had an interest in astronomy over many years, but decided to take it further by enrolling for a PhD in astrophysics at Nottingham University. There he studies computer models of galaxy formation using some of the biggest computers in the world, and builds model universes using mostly dark matter. He is also a keen amateur taking photographs of various astronomical objects, but is brought back to earth by his department colleagues who get to use some of the biggest telescopes yet built with tracking to die for.