2nd Annual Edmund Weaver Lecture in Astronomy

The exoplanet image is of a potentially earth like exoplanet (Kepler-186f. Credit: NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle).

Fantastic worlds and where to find them

a public lecture by

Dr Phil Sutton

University of Lincoln

Wednesday 10 April 2019

6 pm – 7:20 pm

Newton Lecture Theatre INB0114 in the Isaac Newton building, University of Lincoln

Book a place

In recent years there has been an explosion in the discovery of new planets orbiting stars other than our Sun. Previously the idea of exotic planets orbiting multiple stars has been left purely to science fiction. However, science has now discovered such worlds. We will look at some of these recent discoveries and discuss in the context of potential life. We will finish by considering where the best places to look for life might be, in our own solar system or even moons or large moons around massive exoplanets.


Phil Sutton graduated in Physics with Astrophysics from Nottingham Trent University. He worked at the physics department of Loughborough University for 10 years where he also completed a PhD degree on Saturn’s narrow F ring. One of aims of his work was to create numerical models to replicate observations taken by the Cassini spacecraft. Phil joined the University of Lincoln in September 2017 to start a new direction in astrophysics.

11 Comments Add yours

  1. Peter Somerville says:

    Excellent lecture from someone who really knows his stuff. Phil’s answers to questions were a model of how this should be done. I didn’t even understand some of the questions but Phil invariably had an answer ready that was clear and understandable.

    Like

  2. Eric Newton says:

    An excellent presentation on the latest situation on exoplanets.
    One comment I would make is that I, and I think most, could not hear many of the questions being asked and were left wondering what was being answered by Dr Sutton. Can I suggest that at future lectures, either hand mikes are used for questioners or that the lecturer be asked to repeat the question.

    Like

  3. Les Romans says:

    Great lecture that sure to stay in my mind for a long time to come. Thought the balance of content and how presented was excellent with enough detail to be interesting to appeal to all. Some good questions and answers at the end too.

    It would be great if in the archive some references to further reading Dr Sutton could recommend for those interested in learning more could be posted.

    Thank you for this event.

    Like

  4. Justin Ramsay says:

    An excellent, engrossing and informative presentation delivered to a varied audience. The timing of this subject was perfect, aligning with Sky at Nights feature on the same – though Phil’s clear explanation of the transit light curve proved far more interesting!

    Like

  5. Lyn says:

    A great talk on an aspect of the universe, well delivered and eye opening view of what the universe is about , a knowledgeable young man who wants to share the knowledge he has ,great evening , came away with more understanding and a desire to know more , and how he made you think .

    Like

  6. Laura Marshall says:

    A really interesting subject, we thoroughly enjoyed the talk.
    Many thanks

    Like

  7. dtbathtime says:

    A very well delivered and well balanced lecture for someone like me (with a passing interest in, and a smattering of knowledge of, astronomy). Phil has certainly ignited a desire in me to learn more about this particular field of science. Thank you for an enjoyable evening.

    Like

  8. Daren Thorpe says:

    I have a passing interest in astronomy (and science in general). I learned so many new and interesting things from having attended this lecture. It was well delivered and (for someone like me at least, with only a smattering of astophysical trivia) was just the right balance (not too in depth or baffling!). Thank you. A most enjoyable evening.

    Like

  9. Lucy Smith says:

    A very interesting, thought-provoking and enjoyable evening spent at Fantastic Worlds and where to find them lecture. Thank you Dr Phil Sutton.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Sue Morris says:

    Very enjoyable and interesting lecture – thank you

    Liked by 1 person

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