Leader of most powerful observatory on the planet to speak at George Fraser Memorial Lecture
The head of the world’s most powerful observatory will conduct a lecture at our University, examining how new astronomical facilities have led to significant leaps in astronomical research.
The lecture series takes place in tribute to Professor George Fraser, who was a member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Director of the Space Research Centre. His considerable work included research projects in areas ranging from X-ray Astronomy to medical imaging and archaeology.
The free public lecture by Professor Xavier Barcons from the University of Cantabria entitled ‘The road to the next large astronomical observatories’ will take place on Monday 30 October. The lecture, running from 5.30pm to 7.00pm in Physics LTA, will be the fourth instalment in the Professor George Fraser Memorial Lecture series. The lecture will explore the significance of Astronomy as an observationally-driven science discipline.
Professor Barcons will consider the impact of new astronomical facilities, both on the ground and in space-including the Athena X-ray observatory, the ALMA sub/millimetre telescope and ESO's Extremely Large Telescope.
Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester Professor Paul O’Brien said: “Xavier Barcons has played a leading role in developing major observatories in space and now leads the most powerful observatory on the planet.
“He will be able to give us a unique perspective on where Astronomy is heading into the future.”
The event requires that all attendees fill in a registration form, which can be found here: http://www.star.le.ac.uk/GWFMemorial/