Irish-based Astronomers To Reveal All About Planet Hunting

By Mark Dunphy - Sat Aug 06, 9:14 am

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Astronomers in Ireland are leading the way in the discovery of new planets around other stars, according to Astronomy Ireland. Top planet hunter Dr Don Pollaco from Queen’s University Belfast will give the organisation’s August Lecture, and explore how he searches for exosolar planets around other stars.

Dr Pollaco and his team have developed a planet-finding system called SuperWASP, which has revolutionised the hunt for exosolar planets. To date, SuperWASP has found 26 extra-solar planets.

At the Public Lecture on August 8th in Trinity College, Dr Pollaco will treat the audience to spectacular images taken by exoplanet surveys, and explain how SuperWASP works. He will also explore the idea of the “Goldilocks Zone”, a place not too close to a star, nor too far away: a place where the temperature is just right for life to survive and evolve.

Astronomy Ireland says the lecture is suitable for the general public, and people of all ages and experience. Tickets for the lecture are only €7 (€5 members rate), and can be ordered online at www.astronomy.ie or by calling (01) 847 0777. The lecture takes place in Trinity College Dublin, on Monday, August 8^th at 8pm.

Meanwhile, Sir Patrick Moore will explore the asteroid Vesta, which was recently visited for the first time by the Dawn spacecraft in the next episode of The Sky At Night.

Broadcast times:
August 8th, 12:10am – BBC One
August 11th, 7:30pm – BBC Four
August 12th, 2:00am – BBC Four
August 13th, 12:00pm – BBC Two (except Northern Ireland)
August 14th,12:35am – BBC Four

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