The Lecture Programme is held in association with the School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast.

It runs from September until the end of April and is held in the Larmor Lecture Theatre in the Physics Building, main campus, Queen’s University, Belfast. Meetings start at 7.30pm sharp and consist of a short talk given by one of our members followed by the main lecture, usually given by a Professional Astronomer.  

The lecture over, light refreshments are available free of charge. At this time members are free to mix and discuss the latest astronomical news and events. The meeting finishes at 21:30.

Non-members are also welcome to attend!

The 2026/27 Programme

23 September — Prof Mike Burton, AOP
Great New Plans for AOP + Eclipse Reports from Members

7 October — Dr Meg Schwamb, ARC/QUB
Unveiling the Solar System at the Start of the LSST *

21 October — Dr Rok Nezik, AOP
Looking at Comets and Asteroids Through ….. Sunglasses?

4 November — Dr Fionntan Callan, ARC/QUB
Thermonuclear Supernovae: How to Blow Up a White Dwarf

18 November — Terry Moseley
Syzygy: Eclipse Adventures Past & Future

2 December — Prof Jorick Vink, AOP
Did Very Massive Stars Light Up the Early Universe?

16 December — Two Talks by QUB/ARC Students
Details TBA — being arranged by Alan

13 January — Dr Toby Rodel, ARC/QUB
The Hunt for Long-Period Exoplanets from TESS

27 January — Dr Matt Nicholl, ARC/QUB
Gravitational Waves

11 February (Thursday!) — Prof Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland
The Universe: Reality or Simulation?
(Part of the NI Science Festival)

24 February — Prof Alan Fitzsimmons, ARC/QUB
The Art of Astronomy

10 March — Martin Campbell
Chasing Chilean Dark Skies

24 March — Prof Antonio Martin-Carrillo, UCD
Hunting for Cosmic Gold: How Space Research Unlocks the Origin of Heavy Elements

7 April — Prof Tim Pearce, TCD
Kuiper Belt Objects Around Other Stars (TBC)