Topic: Astronomy and Art
Speaker: Prof Andrew Newsam
Abstract: For centuries science and art went hand-in-hand, but more recently they seem to have diverged into two distinct “cultures”. In this talk Andy will describe some forays by an astronomer into the world of art to explore challenging concepts with unsuspecting audiences. Covering art forms from computer music to dance, theatre to gardening shows, and looking at scientific concepts as diverse as Dark Matter and the physics of breakfast we will see some ways in which art and science can work together and ask if the two cultures are really as different as they might seem.
Mini-biog: Andy is Professor of Astronomy Education and Engagement at Liverpool John Moores University and Director of the Schools’ Observatory. After studying Computational Physics at Warwick University, he moved to Glasgow to get his doctorate in Astrophysics. After a short period in Southampton, where he discovered all the delights of professional observing (sleep-deprivation, altitude etc), he moved to Liverpool John Moores University in 1998 to help set up the Schools’ Observatory (www.schoolsobservatory.org). His varied roles combine work with schools with research, undergraduate teaching, and public engagement. All of this is fun, and all of it lets him play with big telescopes around the world.