For Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy
Abstract: Computer simulations of the universe have been in common use since the 1980s, and are now a vital tool in helping us interpret data from increasingly powerful telescopes. Amongst other things, simulations have helped establish that 95% of the universe is in invisible forms, now known as dark matter Read More …
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, Director of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, has co-written a popular astronomy book with Sir Brian May. The book is called: ‘Galaxies in 3D: Islands in Infinity’. The unique aspect of the book is that it presents the pictures of galaxies in stereoscopic format. Then, when viewed with Read More …
The JHI was represented by an invited stand at the prestigious Lancashire Careers and Universities Evening hosted by Westholme School on February 4th 2025. The event was very well attended and the JHI stand was busy throughout the evening. There were multiple enquiries about our courses, as well as about our Read More …
The 8-inch Cooke refractor at the Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory performed night-time observing for the first time in over 25 years on 9th January 2025 when Preston and District Astronomical Society (PADAS) hosted a public observing night there. The observatory is located at Preston’s Moor Park. The refurbishment of the dome was Read More …
Alexia Lopez and the UCLan team (Lyndsey Boardman, Derek Ward-Thompson, StJohn Crean, Michael Fernando and Russell Millhouse) celebrated at the 20th Times Higher Education awards evening – often called the ‘Oscars of higher education’ – on Thursday 28th November in Birmingham. Alexia Lopez, part-time PhD student in the Jeremiah Horrocks Read More …
University of Central Lancashire’s 3D public engagement project wins prestigious Arthur C Clarke Foundation award A unique 360-degree immersive artistic presentation displaying 10 weeks in the life of our Sun has won a prestigious national award for notable and outstanding contributions to space activities in the UK. Called “SUN”, this distinctive light Read More …
Come to our free public talk with a Christmas theme! Book your free tickets on Eventbrite Talk abstract In the Christmas story, 3 wise men from the East follow a star which leads them to Bethlehem. For many years, people have speculated that the star may have been a comet Read More …
Cristina Popescu has been named as the Division J President of the International Astronomical Union A University of Central Lancashire astrophysicist has been named president of a world-famous astronomy organisation. Cristina Popescu, Professor of Astrophysics, has been elected President of the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Division J, which covers Galaxies Read More …
On Wednesday 9th October 2024 Professor Derek Ward-Thompson and Dr Simon Ebo led a ‘Space Day’ event for the Junior Pupils at nearby Westholme School in Blackburn. The pupils learnt about the Sun, the Moon and the planets of the Solar System. There was also a space-themed competition at which Professor Read More …
The Sun has been very active over the recent weeks: A week ago, on Thursday 7 October 2024 it produced the biggest flare of the current solar activity cycle of magnitude, X9.1. However, the coronal mass ejection associated to the flare only produced a minor geomagnetic storm once it hit Read More …