Astrophotography: Capturing the Cosmos and Advancing Science
Discover how astrophotography blends art, science and technology to reveal the wonders of the universe with Dr Charles Finn.
Astrophotography is a hobby that is more accessible and exciting than ever before, allowing enthusiasts to capture breathtaking images of the cosmos and even contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries. This talk will explore the different types of astrophotography, from wide field images of the Milky Way to detailed deep-sky images of distant galaxies and nebulae. We’ll delve into the technical challenges of capturing and processing deep-space images and the surprising role amateurs now play in advancing our scientific understanding of the Universe.
Refreshments will be available.
Dr Charles Finn – Bio
Charles has been fascinated by astronomy since childhood, when a simple pair of binoculars and a book about the night sky sparked a lifelong passion. This early interest led him to study physics and astronomy at university, earning a Master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh before completing a PhD at Durham University. His doctoral research focused on the relationship between the intergalactic medium and galaxies, using observational data from the Hubble Space Telescope alongside cosmological simulations to refine our understanding of galaxy formation.
After completing his PhD, Charles transitioned from academia into the world of data science, applying his expertise in statistics and programming in the commercial sector. He is currently a Data Science Lead at the John Lewis Partnership.
Despite moving away from professional astrophysics, Charles has remained closely connected to the field. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and continues to follow the latest developments in astronomy. In recent years, he has rekindled his love of stargazing through astrophotography, capturing the beauty of the cosmos whenever time and the British weather allow.
This event is part of Dorchester Science Festival!
Location: Briantspuddle Village Hall, Briantspuddle DT2 7HT
