From the 12th to the 16th April 2010, more than 500 astronomers and space scientists will gather at the University of Glasgow for the RAS National Astronomy Meeting (NAM 2010), held in conjunction with the UK Solar Physics (UKSP) and Magnetosphere Ionosphere and Solar-Terrestrial Physics (MIST) meetings.
NAM 2010 includes 14 plenary lectures and 35 parallel sessions featuring new research from across the fields of astronomy, space science, solar and solar-terrestrial physics, including the evolution of massive stars, dark matter, the role of high-energy particles, explosions on the Sun and in the distant Universe and the prospects for astronomy with a new generation of giant telescopes.
A full and up to date schedule of these and other events can be found on the official website: http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/nam2010/
On Thursday is the prestigious RAS awards ceremony, where leading scientists will be honored for outstanding work in their respective fields. On the same day will be the RAS community forum, where issues such as the future of astronomy will be up for debate.
NAM2010 also has three evening lectures for the general public on the ‘Magic of the Sun and stars’, ‘How to use a million astronomers’ and ‘Here is the space weather’.
Press Office
The NAM 2010 press office, staffed by Robert Massey and Anita Heward, will be located in room G358 in the Gilmorehill Building of the University of Glasgow. It will be open from 1300 to 1745 BST on Monday 12th April, 0900 to 1745 BST from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th April and 0900 to 1300 BST on Friday 16th April.
During these times the press office will be contactable on +44 (0)141 330 7409, +44 (0)141 330 7410 and +44 (0)141 330 7411
Press Releases
Over the course of the week before the meeting we expect to issue by e-mail around 20 embargoed press releases on topical and newsworthy presentations. These will also be available on password-protected pages of the meeting website (username and password available from the press office on request). There will be releases embargoed for 0001 BST on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
To register for the meeting (free of charge for members of the media) and/or obtain access to embargoed press releases please contact Robert Massey (see above, pre-registration is not essential but is encouraged).
Members of the media may also register in the normal way by presenting their credentials at the registration desk in the Hunter Halls in the Gilbert Scott Building of the University of Glasgow.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS: www.ras.org.uk), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.
The Science And Technology Facilities Council
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC: www.stfc.ac.uk) ensures the UK retains its leading place on the world stage by delivering world-class science; accessing and hosting international facilities; developing innovative technologies; and increasing the socio-economic impact of its research through effective knowledge exchange. The Council has a broad science portfolio including Astronomy, Particle Astrophysics and Space Science. In the area of astronomy it funds the UK membership of international bodies such as ESO and ESA. STFC is also a partner in the British National Space Centre (BNSC).
The University Of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow (founded 1451) is one of the world’s top 100 research universities with more than 70 per cent of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The Physics and Astronomy Department is one of the top four in the UK’s major research-intensive universities, the Russell Group.
The conference comes to Glasgow during the 250th anniversary year of the founding of the Regius Chair of Astronomy at the University of Glasgow, first held by astronomer and meteorologist Alexander Wilson in 1760. The present incumbent is Prof. John Brown, 10th Astronomer Royal for Scotland.
