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Watching the Heavens: Astronomy and the Meaning of Life

What did the sky-watchers of the ancient world think about the night sky, and its implications for human existence? Moving on to the great discoveries of Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo, we will consider the basic science and ask about the deeper significance of these discoveries.

Are We Alone In The Universe?

The answer to ‘are we alone?’ affects our claim for being special in the cosmos, and we shall never know unless we search.

The Productivity Puzzle

Productivity growth in the UK economy has lagged behind that of our major trading partners. We will examine a number of possible explanations ranging from the role of finance to the employment of physical and human capital.

How Were The Stars Formed?

Professor Silk, Gresham Professor of Astronomy, opens his lecture series with the question 'How Were The Stars Formed?'

Observing the Dark Ages

An exploration of a time when there were no stars or galaxies, and the universe was transparent - how were the first indications of the state of the universe in the dark ages discovered?

The Art of Astrophotography

The book launch for Ian Morison's new book The Art of Astrophotography.

The Accelerating Universe

Professor Silk will explore the origin of this paradigm shift in our cosmic horizon, and discuss the origin of the acceleration as a phenomenon that we call dark energy.

Should We Trust a Theory?

Can a scientific theory ever be confirmed? Must a scientific theory be falsifiable? Theories such as that of the multiverse and string theory will be considered.

The First Three Minutes of Creation

In the first three minutes after the beginning of the universe, all of the stuff that we and the Earth are made of were created and the universe attained its huge size, homogeneity and isotropy.

Shakespeare's Astronomy

Amongst all his astronomical allusions, Shakespeare demonstrates a deep knowledge of the night sky and its movements, including the new Copernican world-view. What can we learn of Elizabethan astronomy and Shakespeare's knowledge of it from the plays?

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