Topic: First Light: the formation of the first stars, blackholes, and galaxies
According to the Big Bang model, the Universe began around 14 billion years ago in a hot, dense state. After a few hundred thousand years it entered the cosmic dark ages, before the first stars and galaxies formed. Gravity gradually assembled dark matter and gas into the structures that ignited the first stars. While observing this era is challenging because of the extreme distances and effect of cosmological redshift, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is now revealing this crucial period of cosmic history. In this talk I’ll discuss how JWST has observationally transformed our view of the early Universe, and how we use super-computer simulations to gain insights into the key physical processes.
Speaker: Prof Steve Wilkins
Stephen Wilkins is Professor of Astronomy and Public Understanding of Science at the University of Sussex. Originally from Yorkshire, Stephen studied Physics at the University of Durham, earning an integrated Master’s degree, before completing a PhD at the University of Cambridge. He then held a research fellowship at the University of Oxford. In 2013, he joined the University of Sussex, where he is now Head of the Department of Physics & Astronomy, having previously served as Head of Astronomy for five years.
Stephen’s research focuses on the formation and evolution of galaxies, with a particular emphasis on the earliest stages of the Universe. To investigate these processes, he combines observations from cutting-edge telescopes—including the James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble, and Euclid—with large-scale cosmological simulations.
Alongside his research, Stephen is a passionate advocate for public engagement with science. He has delivered dozens of talks to diverse audiences, led exhibits at major national events, and serves as a Director of Science Projects, a science education non-profit that creates interactive exhibits for museums worldwide. He also founded a local science education charity that delivers a program of free events across Sussex.
Our MEETING PLAN is:
Please note that we will be starting the session at 7.00 pm, so we can all have a chat, tea, and coffee and a ‘Show and Tell’ opportunity!
Please feel free to bring any new Astro equipment, tools or processes you would like to share with fellow members and guests before the main meeting start at 7.30pm!
ZOOM DETAILS: https://tiny.cc/
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Teas and Coffees
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OPEN UP and get connected to Zoom
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Introduction and Welcome – all new and recently joined members
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MAIN EVENT – ‘First Light: the formation of the first stars, blackholes, and galaxies’
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Star Lab and Other Society News
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Sky Diary & Member’s Photos
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CLOSE
Further refreshments are available at the downstairs bar afterwards.
OUTREACH 2026 PLAN
• 12th June: different types of reflectors, pros and cons (SCT, RASA, Ritchey-Chrétien, Maksutov, Newtonian)
• 10th July: Focus on Stretching – from the basics to new methodology
• 12th August – Solar Eclipse – Tilgate Park – details are TBC
More details and photos on our website:
Hope to see you there.
Regards,
Steve Cookson – Chair