Academic stars in exhibition

An astronomer from the University has appeared in a touring photography exhibition to mark the Year of Astronomy.

Andy Lawrence, Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University was one of many high-profile astronomers photographed for the show.

Explorers of the Universe

Also included in the ‘Explorers of the Universe’ exhibition were Professor Sir Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society; broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore and Professor Stephen Hawking.

The exhibition’s portraits were taken by photographer Max Alexander.

‘Explorers of the Universe’ is on at the Centre for Life, Newcastle, until 31 March 2010.

Previously, the exhibition was held at University College Utrecht, and before that at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

It is sponsored by Science and Technology Facilities Council and supported by the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics.

I chose to portray astronomers as individuals, rather than astronomy as a subject, in order to personalise their contributions to our society. I also wanted to show the wide range of people working in UK astronomy, to reveal their character and to put them in a bold light.