Rochdale professor appears on Stargazing Live

Stargazing Live programme on BBC Two tonight

Professor Tim O’Brien, who was raised in Castleton, appeared on the BBC’s Stargazing Live programme on BBC Two tonight (Tuesday 7 January).

The programme, which runs three shows a year on consecutive nights in January, is hosted by scientist Brian Cox and comedian Dara O’Briain and started it’s fourth series at 8pm tonight.

The astronomy show, which has reached viewing figures of over 10 million people in the past, is broadcast live from Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, where Professor O’Brien is the Associate Director.

In tonight’s episode, the team analysed the mysterious Northern Lights and enlisted the help of Professor O’Brien, who is a reader in Astrophysics at The University of Manchester.

Along with his work at the Observatory, the professor has also contributed to BBC Learning and has worked with schools on the Space Music project.

For fans of the show, the Astronomy Centre in nearby Todmorden and the Godlee Observatory in Manchester is running free public observation in the coming weeks.

Astronomers from The University of Manchester’s School of Physics & Astronomy, where Professor O’Brien teaches, will also be appearing at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester on Saturday 11 January.