Society to discuss exoplanets

The Newtown Astronomy Society is gearing up for its next meeting, scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, from 6:30pm at Plas Dolerw.

This event promises to be an enlightening journey into the realm of exoplanets, those mysterious worlds beyond our Solar System.

The highlight of the evening will be a captivating presentation titled "Detecting Exoplanets: Other Worlds Beyond Our Solar System" by Dr. Annelies Mortier from the University of Birmingham.

Dr. Mortier, an esteemed astronomer, will provide attendees with a historical overview of the process of detecting these exotic celestial bodies, showcasing some of the groundbreaking discoveries made in recent years. With over 5000 exoplanets discovered so far, Dr. Mortier will shed light on the rich and diverse population of these distant worlds.

Originally hailing from Belgium, Dr. Mortier's academic journey has taken her across various prestigious institutions, including the Universities of Leiden, Porto, and St Andrews, as well as a Senior Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. Now serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, Dr. Mortier's expertise lies in observational astronomy, where she explores stars and delves into projects related to exoplanets, their host stars, and our own Sun, all in pursuit of discovering Earth's true twin.

Following Dr. Mortier's enlightening presentation, attendees can look forward to a social gathering, weather permitting observations, and a captivating video display showcasing members' astrophotography.

Additionally, Dr. Tony Cook will provide an overview of upcoming astronomical events during the "What's On" segment of the meeting.

For more information about the event or the Newtown Astronomy Society, interested individuals can reach out via email at secretary.newtownastrosoc@gmail.com or visit the society's website at www.newtownastronomysociety.org. Alternatively, updates and discussions can be found on the society's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1412459148966189.