Join us at our next Future Series event with Prof. Fred Watson at Astronomy Arvo!

Tomorrow’s Universe – The Discoveries that will Change Science

Get ready for an afternoon of stargazing and cosmic exploration with the renowned Prof. Fred Watson.

Astronomy today is going through a golden age with amazing new facilities exploring the Universe. The James Webb Space Telescope is re-writing the textbook on baby galaxies, while gravitational wave observatories are detecting vibrations in space caused by colliding black holes. But there’s much more to come, with gigantic new telescopes in the pipeline that truly boggle the imagination. What are these awe-inspiring instruments, and what will they reveal about the Universe’s deepest mysteries? And will Australian astronomers play a part? Join Australia’s Astronomer-at-Large for this entertaining and fully illustrated look into the future of astronomy.

What's on the agenda?

• 4:00 – 4:10 PM: Welcome by Alexandra Cook, introducing the UNE SMART Region Incubator

• 4:10 – 4:50 PM: Prof. Fred Watson – A captivating presentation on what the future holds for astronomy and related fields

• 4:50 – 5:00 PM: Marnie Ogg from Dark Sky Traveller – Insightful talk on the impact of light pollution on our night skies

• 5:00 – 5:20 PM: Q&A session

• 5:20 – 6:00 PM: Networking, pizza, and departures

The future of astronomy is here!

This event is perfect for high school and university students, science teachers, and space cadets who are passionate about the stars and eager to learn about the future of astronomy.

Pizza incl 🌌🍕

About Fred Watson

Professor Fred Watson AM is the Australian Government’s Astronomer-at-Large, an outreach, advocacy and advisory role in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Educated in Scotland at the universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Fred worked at both of Britain’s Royal Observatories before joining the Australian Astronomical Observatory as Astronomer-in-Charge in 1995. Today, he is best known for his award-winning radio and TV broadcasts, books, music, dark-sky advocacy and the Space Nuts podcast. His work also includes providing expert astronomy advice to government. Fred has an asteroid named after him (5691 Fredwatson), but says that if it hits the Earth, it won't be his fault.

This event is made possible through the NSW Government, Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund, with support from Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council.