Natural catastrophes present us with a variety of problems; extremely long periods of time between occurences, and a threat not just to our civilisation but perhaps life on Earth itself. These risks will be examined in this week’s Darwin College Lecture.
Natural catastrophes present us with a variety of problems; extremely long periods of time between occurences, and a threat not just to our civilisation but perhaps life on Earth itself. These risks will be examined in this week’s Darwin College Lecture.
Professor Mark Bailey, Astrophysicist and Director of Armagh Observatory will deliver the seventh lecture of the series, entitled ‘Risk and Natural Catastrophes’.
Natural catastrophes are rare, often devastating events. Professor Bailey will examine some of the problems that these devastating events cause as well as how we might develop strategies to mitigate these threats.
Our response to these catastrophes is extremely important, and Professor Bailey suggests that we should be aware of unintended consequences. He is particularly interested in focussing on what happens should our current scientific understanding turn out to be less certain than many experts believe.
̽»¨Ö±²¥free public lecture will take placeÌýtomorrow,ÌýFriday 26 February from 5:30pm at the Lady Mitchell Hall on the ̽»¨Ö±²¥â€™s Sidgwick Site. As usual, people are advised to arrive early to guarantee themselves a place in the theatre, as the lecture series is proving exceptionally popular and demand is very high.
Professor Bailey completed his undergraduate degree in Physics at Cambridge and went on to complete his Masters at Sussex. He obtained a PhD in Astronomy at the ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Edinburgh in 1978.
̽»¨Ö±²¥minor planet discovered in 1976 by C I Lagerkvist was named ‘Mebailey’ in March 1990 for his work on the dynamics and origins of comets.
He has written several books, and nearly a hundred scientific papers. His most recent book ‘Border Heritage’ describes the work of the Armagh Observatory, and specifically the Visitor Education Committee and the rich heritage of the city.
He is former Council Member and Vice-President of the Royal Astronomical Society, holds the position of Honorary Professor at Queen’s ̽»¨Ö±²¥ Belfast, and was awarded an MBE for services to astronomy in June 2007.
̽»¨Ö±²¥Armagh Observatory is a modern astronomical research institute. Founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, the Observatory is one of the UK and Ireland's leading scientific research establishments. Around 25 astronomers are actively studying Stellar Astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy, and the Earth's climate.
For more information and the full programme of the Darwin College Lecture Series please use the links top right of the page.
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