Bayfordbury Observatory welcomes The Meteorites author Helen Gordon as cosmic open evenings return

Ms Gordon, who teaches Creative Writing at Herts, will lead the highly anticipated event on 7 November with a talk about meteorites, based on her new book The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time.

Known for blending natural history and science with compelling storytelling, The Meteorites uncovers the captivating stories of fallen meteorites and the lives they have touched - from collectors to kings and from scientists to farmers. The book has been praised by the Financial Times as “an irreverent tour of the science and folklore behind the space debris that makes it to Earth” and as “an engrossing blend of the scientific and the human” by The Observer.

Helen Gordon said:

“'I'm really looking forward to visiting the Bayfordbury Observatory and sharing some of the fascinating, thought-provoking stories I discovered while writing my book.”

She will be joined by Dr Klaas Wiersema, from the University’s Centre for Astrophysics Research, who will discuss the growing problem of space junk - man-made objects in orbit around Earth pose collision risks to active satellites, spacecraft, and the International Space Station.

Visitors can take part in activities such as creating impact craters, hunting asteroids, and examining real meteorites. Planetarium shows and telescope tours will also give guests the chance to journey through the stars.

Dr Ben Burningham, Associate Professor in the Centre for Astrophysics Research and Director of Outreach and Public Engagement at Bayfordbury Observatory, said:

“We’re really excited to kick off our new season of events with a celebration of Helen’s brilliant book. We’ve laid on a range of activities and talks to educate and entertain, exploring the world of asteroids, meteorites, and our space neighbourhood.”

Book for an unforgettable evening where space, science, and imagination collide at Bayfordbury.

Find out more about studying astrophysics at Herts.