Monthly Meeting 15 April 2026
Searching for Earth 2.0: exoplanets and life in the Universe
About the Talk
Thirty years ago we knew of no planets beyond our own Solar System; today the tally stands at over 6,100. This talk tells the story of that transformation: how astronomers find exoplanets, what the current catalogue reveals about the strange variety of worlds out there, and what it all means for the oldest question of all — whether we are alone in the Universe.
About this month’s speaker
Matt is an astrophysicist, science communicator and author, and the current Public Astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge.
He received his PhD in astronomy from the University of Cambridge, and worked as a galaxy evolution researcher for a decade before turning his love of science communication into a full-time position. He now delivers outreach to schools, runs stargazing evenings, gives public lectures, and writes about all things astronomical.
The third book in his ‘Astrophysics for Supervillains’ children’s astronomy series, Mastering the Multiverse, will be published in 2026 by DK.
Personal website:
Institute of Astronomy
https://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/people/matthew.bothwell
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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.
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
Covid Precautions
- You are encouraged to wear a mask and you are asked to be respectful and sensitive to the medical circumstances of others
- What to do if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) or symptoms of COVID-19
The NHS says:
While you’re no longer legally required to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should try to stay at home and away from others to avoid passing on the virus.
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you:- have any symptoms of COVID-19, and have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or do your normal activities
- have tested positive for COVID-19 – this means it’s very likely you have the virusFor full details please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
- If you have Covid symptoms and have not taken a test, please do not attend.
- There will be a section of the Hall for exclusively mask wearers. If you are wearing a mask you may of course sit where you want but if you are not wearing a mask do not sit in the masks only area. We have vulnerable people in our club and we want to make our meeting accessible for them.
- We will ventilate the Hall to the best of our ability.