Latest News
- Details
I have a news article published by New Scientist:
“SOAP operas have nothing on supernovae. A charlatan star that appeared to explode earlier this year may have faked its own death to unite with a secret companion.
- Details
I am utterly thrilled to have The Sensorium of God picked out by the Daily Mail in their round up of the year’s fiction:
“I cannot commend highly enough Stuart Clark’s The Sky’s Dark Labyrinth trilogy. This is the second volume about the great men whose knowledge and passion did so much to advance our understanding of our planet and the skies above us.
The Sensorium Of God focuses on the professional rivalries between Isaac Newton, Edmond Halley and Robert Hooke. Thwarted in his understanding of Johannes Kepler’s century-old explanation as to why the planets move as they do, Halley enlists Newton’s help. But accusations that Newton is actually stealing Hooke’s research threatens to derail any progress that is being made.
This novel is not just for those of a scientific bent: Clark’s narration is easy to follow and his prose flows. This volume can be read in isolation, but with the final book due in February you may want to add the first to your Christmas package, to be fully up to speed.”
You can see all the selections here.
- Details
Many congratulations to David Colquhoun and Suzi Gage who were joint winners of the UK Science Blog Prize 2012. It is an honour to have been shortlisted with such accomplished bloggers across such a range of scientific topics. The prize giving evening was a fun night. Read the press release from Good Thinking here.
- Details
The European Space Agency has agreed to collaborate with Russia on two future missions designed to look for evidence of life on Mars. Meanwhile, Nasa's Curiosity team says it is poised to make a 'historic' announcement.
This is the latest piece for my Across the Universe blog over at The Guardian.
- Details
I have a feature in New Scientist this week:
“Nothing is supposed to speed up or slow down radioactive decay. So how come the sun seems to be messing with some of our elements?
IT WAS one of those evenings. You know the kind: after a draining day at work, all you want to do is relax in front of the television. The last thing you expect to do is make a breakthrough that could change the face of modern physics.
- Details
The Leonid meteor shower reaches a peak this weekend. Then Tuesday may bring a rare chance to see 600-year old meteors
My latest piece for my Across the Universe blog over at The Guardian says:
“If you missed the Perseids back in August, fear not. It is now time for the second grand meteor shower of the year. The Leonids are visible for much of November with the best nights for viewing this year predicted to be 17 and 20 November. ...’
You can read the full story here.
- Details
I am thrilled to report that my Guardian blog, Across The Universe, has been shortlisted for the 2012 UK Science Blog Prize.
The prize has been initiated by Good Thinking, a small UK-based organisation devoted to promoting science and debunking pseudoscience. The awards evening is presented in association with Soho Skeptics. My grateful thanks for this recognition go to both organisations.
The prize night is on Sunday 25 in London. I will be there to give a short talk and to applaud the other nominees. I am honoured by the nomination and to be in such company. You can buy tickets to the event here.
Read the official release, and see the other shortlisted blogs by clicking on the Read More, if you can’t see the full post already.
- Details
The influence of mysterious 'dark energy' has been mapped far into the distant past of the universe. But it seems dark energy's gain may be dark matter's loss.
My latest piece for my Across the Universe blog over at The Guardian says:
- Details
Can't get to Australia to see Tuesday's total solar eclipse? No problem. Watch it live right here
My latest piece for my Across the Universe blog over at The Guardian says:
- Details
There can be little doubt that Nasa is preparing to return to the Moon but will Europe participate in the effort? We could have a better idea later this month.
My latest piece for my Across the Universe blog over at The Guardian says.