Herschel has been in space for almost 2 years now, and has produced stunning results. As the largest existing space telescope, Herschel's unprecedented sensitivity and resolution are giving astonomers an brand new view of the far-infrared sky. Herschel doesn't see stars, but the gas and dust between the stars, from which they form and which they create when they die. This is possible within our own galaxy and also beyond into the distant Universe, where the formation and evolution of galaxies can be studied. From planets, to stars, to galaxies, Herschel is studying the Universe's nurseries on a wide range of scales. I will describe the Herschel satellite, and run through some of the latest results from this groundbreaking European mission.

Herschel image of the Andromeda Galaxy. Click for full-sized image.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

I was brought up in Leicestershire, then did a degree at Cambridge University, followed by a PhD at Oxford on astronomy instrumentation. I then moved to Cardiff, where I've worked on Planck and Herschel, and am the UK Herschel Outreach Officer. As such, I am responsible for
coordinating the outreach and education programmes associated with the Herschel Space Observatory. My scientific research involves design and development of astronomical instruments for observation of the Cosmic Microwave Background. For Herschel and Planck I'm a member of the teams behind the calibration. Alongside all this, I am a member of the editorial team behind BBC Sky at Night, having been the astronomy researcher on the show since 2007, and now appearing regularly as a reporter.  I also provide a monthly astronomy news roundup on the Radio Cardiff show "Pythagoras' Trousers".