Monthly Meeting 18 November 2026
Galaxies, Relativity and the Universe
This talk will begin with introduction to galaxies, explaining their morphology, structure, and characteristics. Nik will then move on to introduce General Relativity which is Einstein’s masterwork that superseded Isaac Newton’s earlier gravitational theory. The talk will look at experimental tests of General Relativity and how it applies to the ‘new’ view of the Universe and helps to explain black holes etc. He’ll also intersperse some historical aspects and a rogues gallery of characters that helped expand our knowledge of cosmology and gravitation.
Nik Szymanek
Nik Szymanek is an astrophotographer based in North Essex and has been using CCD cameras to image the deep sky since they were first introduced in the early 1990’s from a back garden observatory and more recently from a remote observatory in south-eastern Spain.
He has written a monthly ‘Masterclass’ astro-imaging column in Astronomy Now magazine for the last ten years as well as three books on astronomical imaging, the latest of which is ‘Shooting Stars II’.
Nik is most known for his deep sky CCD images, and his contributions to education and public outreach surrounding amateur astronomy.
He collaborates with professional astronomers and works with research-grade telescopes located at La Palma in the Canary Islands, and at Mauna Kea Observatories at the Hawaiian Islands. He publishes his pictures in astronomical magazines and has written a book on astrophotography called Infinity Rising.
Nik’s website: https://ccdland.wixsite.com/astronomy
Nik on Telescope Live: https://telescope.live/user/2228
Nik on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/36672102@N07/
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Anyone is welcome – beginner or expert – and there is no need to pre-book. A small charge applies to help us cover costs (typically £3 for non-members; £2 for NEAS members; U16s free). Doors open at 7.30pm with the talk starting at 8.00pm. CASH ONLY
Note that if you are using satnav system, the postcode may not take you directly to the hall – please check this Google Maps link if you aren’t sure: https://goo.gl/maps/fNxmg9qnAYm