David Robinson (Earth Sciences, Oxford)
Supershear earthquakes: what has happened and what could happen
Karen Masters (ICG, Portsmouth)
Do bars kill galaxies?
Eddington Lecture - Prof Shrinivas Kulkarni (Caltech USA)
Astronomy: A Subject on the Cusp
(sponsored by RAS, IoA and Trinity College Cambridge)
Abstract: Astronomy enjoys the double reputation of being the second oldest profession and a romantic subject. Astronomy, by all accounts, is currently in its golden phase with even greater promises as we start this new decade. What is less well known and less appreciated that the fantastic progress in astronomy is primarily driven by technological progress. One can say that Astronomy is a major beneficiary of Moore's law. After justifying this assertion, the speaker will focus on a specific example: the Palomar Transient Factory. He will then conclude by speculating on anticipated advances in astronomy (and driven by anticipated progress in technology).
Website: www.ras.org.uk