Solar System’s Next-Door Neighbours Take Centre Stage

Astronomy enthusiasts across Ireland are invited to join a public Zoom lecture on August 11th at 7pm titled “The Solar Neighbourhood – A Guide to the Nearest Stars”.

The lecture, delivered by Professor Colin Steele of the University of Manchester, will explore the stars within five parsecs (about 16 light years) of the Sun. Rather than a simple catalogue, the talk will highlight key stellar neighbours including the Alpha Centauri and Sirius systems, Barnard’s Star, and even the fictional home of Star Trek’s Mr Spock.

Attendees will learn about star characteristics, methods of measuring stellar distances, and perspectives of the Sun as seen from nearby stars. The presentation will conclude with reflections on the Sun’s place in our local region of the galaxy.

Professor Steele brings decades of experience to the talk. Inspired by the Apollo Moon landings and a long-time member of various astronomical societies, he studied Mathematics, Astronomy, and Astrophysics at the University of St Andrews and earned a PhD focused on solar prominences.

Since 1993, he has taught mathematics at the University of Manchester and contributed to research on solar atmospheric dynamics, Trojan asteroids, meteors, and noctilucent clouds. He has been an active member of the British Astronomical Association since 1985 and served as President of the Scottish Astronomers Group in the early 1990s.

This engaging lecture is ideal for anyone curious about our stellar neighbourhood and the latest insights into the stars closest to Earth.

For tickets and more information, visit Astronomy Ireland’s website.

Tickets are priced between €5 and €10.