Stargazers welcome the Astronomer Royal

Martin Rees (pictured) has had a distinguished research career investigating the large-scale and high energy phenomena of the universe.

He has also brought the excitement and wonder of science to the general public through his broadcasts and books. As Astronomer Royal, and recently President of the Royal Society, Lord Rees has been a prominent champion of science in the corridors of government.

He will address the next meeting of the East Sussex Astronomical Society on the topic From Big Bang to Biosphere.

Lord Rees said: “Astronomers have made astonishing progress in probing our cosmic environment, thanks to advanced technology. We can trace cosmic history back to some mysterious “beginning” nearly 14 billion years ago.

“And we understand in outline the emergence of atoms, galaxies, stars and planets and how, on at least one planet, life developed a complex biosphere of which we are part. But these advances pose new questions: What does the long-range future hold? How widespread is life in our cosmos? Should we be surprised that the physical laws permitted the emergence of complexity? Is physical reality even more extensive than the domain that our telescopes can probe?

“This illustrated lecture will address (but not answer!) such questions.”

The talk starts at 8pm. The society meets at St Mary’s School, Wrestwood Road. Entry is £3 for non-members; free for those in full-time education.