Astronomy Talks - It's about time

It's about time - astro-archaeology, time, calendars and the art and science of the sundial.Every aspect of modern life is dominated by time.

Time – the 4th dimension, is the subject of this talk (and the following).

Time and its measurement has been fundamental to society since its origin.At first astronomical observations of Sun and Moon were used as calendrical devices to regulate agricultural cycles.

The motion of the Sun over the course of the day and throughout the year were used to construct ever more accurate sundials – a device nowadays of more decorative purpose but once the most accurate clocks available.We will consider the history of timekeeping and how the accurate measurement of time was crucial in solving the longitude problem.About the LecturerOur Astronomy Talks will be brought to you by Dr Fred Stevenson.

Dr Stevenson obtained a degree in Physics with Astrophysics from the University of Leicester in 1980 followed by a PhD in Cosmology from Durham University in 1986.After further research he has spent the past twenty five years teaching adult education classes in astronomy, physics and mathematics at a variety of venues throughout Northumberland, County Durham and North Yorkshire.He has organized and taught numerous weekend courses in astronomy based in the Kielder forest park and other venues in the North Pennines.Fred is passionate about talking to the public about astronomy and has given numerous talks to astro societies and other groups.When he is not teaching Fred can be found wandering the moors and fells of the North of England and also in our Theatre bringing you these very exciting talks.