Science Cafe - Exploring Distant Worlds: The Atmospheres of Exoplanets

Dr Hannah Wakeford – University of Bristol

What are the skies like on planets beyond our Solar System? From worlds shrouded in exotic clouds to gas giants blasted by their stars, astronomer Dr Hannah Wakeford leads a Bristol-based research group using the Hubble Space Telescope and JWST to uncover the secrets of exoplanet atmospheres.

Hannah’s work focuses on measuring and modelling the chemistry and weather of these alien worlds — from hot Jupiters to mysterious brown dwarfs — helping us understand how planets form and evolve.

An Associate Professor in Astrophysics at the University of Bristol, Hannah previously worked with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. She is also a passionate science communicator, co-host of Exocast: The Exoplanet Podcast, and co-author (with Brian May and Chris Lintott) of Bang!! The Complete History of the Universe.

Come and hear how cutting-edge telescopes are revealing new insights into distant planets — and what these discoveries might tell us about our own world.

Join us aboard the MV Balmoral from 7pm for a 7.45pm start. Tour the ship, grab a drink at the bar, and settle in for a revealing evening.

This is a FREE event — arrive early to get a seat.